October 1st, 2009
Newark, DE – The Delaware Restaurant Association is pleased to announce that it will honor the iconic Starboard in Dewey Beach as its 2009 Cornerstone Award Recipient for 2009. Spanning a history of 50 years and three owners, The Starboard has become an institution known to almost all Delawareans and Delaware Beach goers! Managing owner Steve Montgomery, along with partners Jim Weisberger and Dick Heidenberger currently operate The Starboard as well as Bethany Blues in Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach.
The prestigious Cornerstone Award is presented to a restaurant or individual whose hard work, dedication and creativity has added luster and prestige to the hospitality industry in Delaware. The nominee must have at least 15-years service in the industry to receive this lifetime achievement award.
As managing owner, Montgomery (known most as Monty) has added to the vision of previous owners to transform the restaurant into a worldwide tourist attraction while maintaining an unyielding commitment to the local community. The Starboard’s marquee event, the Running of the Bull on the first Saturday after the Fourth of July is in its 13th year and raises more than $6,000 for the Dewey Beach Police Department. Its Annual celebrity golf tournament raises over $20,000 a year for local youth sports leagues. Other community fundraising events benefit the Rehoboth Fire Department, HEROES and the Humane Society. The Starboard is involved in just about every promotion and community event in Dewey Beach, said Carrie Leishman, DRA President/CEO.
Famous over the years for its meatballs, bloody marys, great breakfast and entertainment, The Starboard is celebrating its 50th year in business this month.
The DRA will honor The Starboard on November 16th at The Delaware Restaurant Association Cornerstone Awards at Dover Downs.
The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is the state trade association dedicated to promoting, protecting and improving Delaware’s foodservice industry. Delaware’s 2000 restaurants employ over 40,000 people and have sales exceeding $1.3 billion annually.
