This article appeared in the August 6th Issue of TV Times
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By David Maull
TV Times

It was a business opportunity Dana Banks nearly passed up.

When restaurant space became available in downtown Bethany Beach in the fall of 1996, Banks didn't believe it was the right time for her to own a restaurant, even though she had already spent nearly 20 years in the business.

But when that same space was still available the following spring, she could no longer say no - and she would become glad she reconsidered.

Banks opened the Parkway Restaurant at 114 Garfield Parkway in June 1997 and has watched its brand of casual upscale dining take hold in the resort town.

"It seemed like a great location," she said. "I'm extremely happy, it's been a lot of fun."

It may look small from the outside, but the Parkway has three dining rooms seating a total of 82 people and can accommodate private parties. In addition to the dinner menu, there are also light-fare selections and a full-service bar.

"It's definitely a casual, warm atmosphere," Banks said.

The Parkway menu features a wide variety of American cuisine, including honey-lime barbecue chicken, grilled salmon, sesame encrusted tuna, filet mignon, pork tenderloin and rack of lamb. Appetizers include seared duck breast, coconut shrimp and salmon roll. There is also wine list with 40 selections.

"I've had people sit here and say it's better than any New York restaurant they've been to," Banks said. "I think when you walk in here it's more like Georgetown and (Washington) D.C."

The key is that chef Adam Sanders uses only fresh, high-quality ingredients and prepares everything on the premises.

"We just don't skimp on anything," Banks said. "We're really big on presentation. You try to wow them with that."

But even Banks knows presentation is nothing if a finely-decorated plate doesn't contain top-notch food.

"We're really pushing to make a mark," she said. "An upscale restaurant does succeed by word-of-mouth."

Banks got her start in the restaurant business working various summer jobs in high school. She eventually moved on to restaurant and hotel management jobs in California and Maui before returning to Delaware.

Banks helped manage a number of local restaurants before opening her own business last summer.

The Parkway has allowed Banks to express her own ideas and fulfill what she believes is a need for upscale dining in the Bethany Beach area.

"It's a lot of fun, it's very creative," she said of the restaurant business. "I think you get out of it what you put into it."