Some stories are simply meant to come full circle.

Twenty-five years ago, Nancy and Ralph met while working behind the bar at Gavin’s in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Nancy was already an experienced bartender when Ralph arrived—brand new to hospitality after being convinced by his cousin that bartending “wasn’t that hard.” The chemistry was instant. They found themselves picking up extra shifts just to work together, and before long, the regulars were asking when they were finally going to make it official.

Fast forward 25 years, and you’ll once again find them behind the bar together—this time at Lewes Oyster House and The Gallo Room, creating memorable experiences for guests with the same warmth, hospitality, and sense of fun that first brought them together all those years ago.

Although Nancy will always consider Philadelphia her hometown and Ralph grew up just outside the city in Bucks County, Lewes has become much more than a second home.

What started as anniversary trips nearly 20 years ago turned into annual visits, then a second home, and now a place where they spend more and more of their time. Long before joining the team, they were regulars at Lewes Oyster House, drawn by the welcoming atmosphere, exceptional food and cocktails, and the small-town charm that makes Lewes so special. They became friends with many of the Lewes Oyster House team, including the founders. So when the opportunity to join the family came along, it felt like a natural fit.

When they’re not working, you’ll usually find them at the beach, riding their tandem bike through Cape Henlopen State Park, or exploring local restaurants.

After years leading communications teams in the pharmaceutical industry, Nancy was ready for a change and returned to hospitality in 2025. During a walkthrough of the soon-to-open Gallo Room, Chef Sean and Tommy mentioned they were looking for bartenders. Ralph immediately volunteered Nancy.

She joined during the very first soft opening weekend and quickly became what Chef Sean affectionately calls “the face of The Gallo Room.”

This summer, Nancy returned the favor by volunteering Ralph to work a few shifts while he was on break from teaching. Today, they’re back doing what first brought them together—creating memorable experiences for guests, sharing plenty of laughs, and proving they’re just as good a team behind the bar as they are at home.

As for who’s in charge? Ralph doesn’t hesitate. “It’s always Nancy,” he laughs. “That’s why I call her La Jefa.”

Nancy and Ralph love to travel and have made a bit of a habit of taking impromptu trips overseas. Nancy had the opportunity to travel extensively during her years with Johnson & Johnson, which gave them both the travel bug. This past year alone has taken them to Malta, Spain, and Portugal.

For the two of them, exploring a new place often comes back to the same things they love about hospitality: food, drink, and the people behind them. Whether they’re discovering a local restaurant, trying something new at the bar, or simply experiencing the culture, it’s their favorite way to get to know a new country.

And when they’re closer to home, they’re often right back at Lewes Oyster House enjoying their favorites from Chef Sean’s menu. Ralph is a loyal fan of the Turkey Burger, while Nancy loves the salmon and charbroiled oysters. They’re also big fans of Erikah’s ever-changing raw bar creations and both look forward to the return of weekly Pasta Nights.