• Tyler Williams and Esau Medrano will lead busy coastal Delaware stores facing increased demands on delivery, counter and dining room service.
• Williams met his wife at Grotto Pizza two years ago, while Medrano has been working for the company for 13 years.

Related: GM of new Grotto Pizza store started out as dishwasher at 13

Tyler Williams and Esau Medrano recently accepted key leadership roles at Grotto Pizza, the fast-casual chain headquartered in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Williams will manage Grotto Pizza South Boardwalk at 17 Surf Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, and Medrano will lead the Grotto Pizza South Bethany team at 34444 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach, Delaware.

All totaled, Grotto Pizza has 23 locations in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

A Milford resident, Williams started his Grotto Pizza journey in 2013 at the Grotto Pizza Main St. store in Newark, Delaware, and quickly climbed the ranks within the company. He has worked at several locations throughout the state and made lasting connections and impressions with both coworkers and guests, the company said in a press release.

For Williams, not only is Grotto Pizza the place that he calls “work,” it’s also the spot where he met his bride. “I met my wife a couple summers ago at South Boards while I was working the kitchen and she was serving,” Williams said. “It feels meant-to-be that I’m now the GM of the store where we first met and am now leading a team of staff working to provide top-notch guest experiences for the busy crowds that walk the boardwalk and enjoy the beach all summer long. I’m looking forward to a season of full dining rooms and busy counter service!”

A Cape grad and Milton native, Medrano (pictured at top) has been a key member of the Grotto team for 13 years. He was first introduced to Grotto Pizza by his brother, who was working for the restaurant at the time and helped Esau land an interview. The team atmosphere is what he enjoys most about the vibe at Grotto and his personal motto is “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Said Medrano, “The South Bethany area is a new market for me, and I look forward to getting a great team onboard, as well as connecting with our existing staff and maximizing their strengths and customer service capabilities. I’m looking forward to a smooth and successful summer!”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the recent promotions of Tyler and Esau to general manager roles,” said Jeff Gosnear, vice president of Grotto Pizza. “They are each leading busy stores in our coastal market with increased demands on delivery, counter and dining room service. A strong leader is required in both stores. We feel confident in the skills and experience of both gentleman and wish them great success as we enter our busiest season at the beach.”