The Georgia Restaurant Association is proud to announce the finalists for the 2015 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards. All finalists are peer nominated, which ensures that we honor the most deserving in our industry. The winners are then decided by the GRACE Academy, which consists of all past GRACE nominees and current GRA Board Members.

On Sunday, November 1, 2015, the GRACE Awards Gala, an exclusive event honoring leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry, will take place at the Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, GA. At the event, winners for Restaurateur of the Year (Small/Independent, Franchisee, Large/Corporate), Industry Partner of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award will be announced. The GRA will also honor the Restaurant Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, ProStart Student of the Year and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Doug McKendrick of McKendrick’s Steak House. A complete list of finalists can be found at the end of this release.

In addition, Jim Stacy, television host and owner of Pallookaville Fine Foods, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Live entertainment will be provided by the Latin band, Willie Ziavino and C.O.T. Band, who regularly plays at GRA member restaurant, Eclipse di Luna.

“In celebration of the 9th Annual GRACE Awards Gala, we are delighted to continue the tradition of recognizing our industry for their excellence and achievement,” said Karen Bremer, executive director of the Georgia Restaurant Association.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, whose mission is to fight hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering the community.

2015 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS

Restaurateur of the Year: Small/Independent

Jonathan and Justin Fox, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Kevin Rathbun, Cliff Bramble and Kirk Parks, Rathbun’s, KR Steak Bar, Kevin Rathbun Steak
Ryan Pernice and Ted Lahey, Table & Main, Osteria Mattone

Restaurateur of the Year: Franchisee

Mike Orcutt, Cowabunga, Inc. | Domino's
Matt Hansen, KBP Foods | KFC, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut
John Silvey, Poultry Partners | Zaxby’s

Restaurateur of the Year:

Large/Corporate

Adriana Quintanilla, Norsan Group Restaurants | Frontera Mex-Mex Grill, Luciano's Ristorante Italiano, Pampas Steakhouse
Paul Damico, Moe’s Southwest Grill
Cheryl Bachelder, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Industry Partner of the Year

Atlanta Foodservice Expo
UnitedHealthcare
The Giving Kitchen

Distinguished Service Award

Fifth Group Restaurants
Ray’s on the River
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

ProStart Student of the Year

To be determined by the Hospitality Education Foundation of Georgia

Manager of the Year

Dewey Funna, Hudson Grille Midtown

Restaurant Employee of the Year

Chris Gianaras, 4th & Swift

Lifetime Achievement Award

Doug McKendrick, McKendrick’s Steak House