La Vida Hospitality announces new members of leadership team

At the company’s annual conference, La Vida Hospitality Group founder Josh Grapski and managing member Rich Garrahan announced the promotions of four key employees: Becca Anderson, Ted Deptula, Dave Schell and Stephanie Cameron. Each person has been with the company for 10-plus years, working their way up within the organization and contributing meaningful growth. All four individuals have been named members of the La Vida Hospitality leadership team, sharing a minority ownership stake in the company.

“Becca, Ted, Stephanie and Dave have shown a relentless passion for hospitality and driving results,” said Grapski, La Vida Hospitality managing partner/marketing and development. “This crew also embodies our company Enjoy the Ride mantra, which is all about having fun while working hard.”

Cameron has been with La Vida Hospitality since 2005 and currently serves as financial controller. Her career at LVH began in various operational roles, including food runner, server, expo and bookkeeper. Cameron holds an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship from the University of Delaware. She values building relationships with both staff and guests.

As business leader for Big Chill Brands, Anderson has been instrumental in developing Big Chill into one of Delaware's most iconic brands. She started her career with LVH in 2015 as a bartender at Crooked Hammock. Two years later, she became general manager for Big Chill Beach Club, and she assumed her current role in 2023. Before entering the hospitality industry, Anderson had a 23-year career as a professional sprint car driver, competing in the United States, Australia and Canada, where she secured multiple victories and raced with the renowned World of Outlaws.

As director of culinary operations, Deptula oversees culinary development for all LVH brands. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he has worked alongside Grapski for over 17 years, beginning as a lunch cook at the now-defunct Nage Bistro. His passion for the hospitality industry stems from his ability to connect with people through exceptional food, beverages and service.

Schell started at LVH in 2019 as the opening general manager of Crooked Hammock in Middletown. His passion for creating experiences, building culture and helping people achieve their goals led to his promotion to director of team development. He then became director of operations for Crooked Hammock, overseeing all three locations. Before LVH, Schell worked for TGI Fridays, starting as a busboy and working his way up to director of operations, managing multiple stores.