Grotto Pizza named Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber’s Business of the Year

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon and installation of the chamber board May 8 at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats.

Grotto Pizza, founded in 1960, was named the 2023 Business of the Year. Company President Jeff Gosnear accepted the award. Founder Dominick Pulieri always thought Rehoboth Beach was a special place and continues to do so, said Gosnear. That’s why, he said, the company continues to reinvest in its local properties.

Gosnear then listed off the company’s local projects – the renovation of Grand Slam on Route 1 near Lewes, a new location in Dewey Beach, the construction of a new office building off Route 1 near Rehoboth and the soon-to-start construction on a mixed-use building in Dewey. Most notable, he said, is a proposed hotel on the Boardwalk.

Longtime volunteer and local businessman Marvin Carney was named the 2024 Mae Hall McCabe Award winner. In addition to his 25 years of service to the chamber, Carney dedicated his time to assisting many community organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Boardwalk Buddy Walk, KINfolk, Mason’s Mobility Mission and Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding.

He was announced as the recipient a few months ago before he died. Wife and business partner Becky Carney accepted the award May 8 in his honor. Marvin was a great man, she said. 

Mary Dickson, Bob Lore and Sue Lore were given the 2024 Cheryl Blackman Volunteer of the Year Award. Sue Lore spoke briefly on behalf of the other two. She credited the chamber employees who make the events happen every year and said the three of them have the best location during Sea Witch because it’s covered and near a bathroom.

Dave Lyons was named the 2024 Dewey Beach Volunteer of the Year. He said he appreciated the honor, but was quick to credit town staff and his fellow volunteers.