October 1st, 2009
Newark, DE Underscoring the importance that restaurants as the cornerstone of our communities, of our economy and of rewarding career opportunities, the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) has named Carl Georigi, President of Platinum Dining Group as its 2009 Restaurateur of the Year. Georigi, along with his wife Lisa, operate Eclipse Bistro in Wilmington, Dome Restaurant and Bar in Hockessin as well as newly-opened Capers and Lemons Italian Restaurant and Market in Wilmington.
The DRA Restaurateur of the Year award honors the restaurant owner or group who shows originality, quality and service to its customers. He or she is successful in the eyes of his or her fellow operators, employees and community and is a member of the Delaware Restaurant Association.
Georigi has over 25-years experience in the hospitality industry and began his career working for Hyatt Hotels, Sfuzzi Restaurant in Philadelphia and the University of Delaware.
He opened Eclipse in 1996 which has been recognized with numerous dining awards from both local and national press including Delaware Today, Philadelphia Enquirer, Nations Restaurant News and Bon Appetit.
Building on Eclipse’s success, Georigi opened Dome in April of 2000, serving Urban American Cuisine and bringing his success to Hockessin. This past February, Georigi opened his much anticipated modern, Italian-themed Capers and Lemons Italian Restaurant and Market. Platinum dining employs more than 150 people.
Georigi is a member of the Delaware Restaurant Association and has served on the Board for Meals on Wheels of Delaware. Platinum Dining Group supports many local charities and organizations including Ministry of Caring, Delaware Special Olympics, PanCan, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Ronald McDonald House, Wilmington Flower Market, Lantana Square Merchants Association and PCAD (Prevent Child Abuse Delaware).
Georigi will be honored on November 16th at the Delaware Restaurant Association’s Annual Cornerstone Awards at Dover Downs.
The Delaware Restaurant Association is the state trade association dedicated to promoting, protecting and improving Delaware’s foodservice industry. Delaware’s 2,000 restaurants employ over 40,000 people and have sales exceeding $1.3 billion annually.
