November 2008
Compiled by Dana Hazels Seith
One year ago, the stars of the restaurant industry joined keynote speaker, Ted Turner, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead to recognize and pay tribute to their own at the inaugural Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. This year, on November 9th, 2008, the GRACE Awards Gala proudly returned to the Grand Hyatt for an evening of glamour with the culinary elite. This black tie affair is the only event of its kind to exclusively honor those who have made exemplary contributions to Georgia’s prolific restaurant industry.
The 2008 GRACE Awards featured keynote speaker Coby Brooks, President and CEO of Hooters of America, Inc. as they celebrate its 25th anniversary. The GRACE Awards, crystal works of art created by renowned local artist Hans-Godo Frabel, stand for excellence in the following five categories: Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Distinguished Service Award, Innovator Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards show appreciation for our stars, the people devoted to our industry. On behalf of the Georgia Restaurant Association, congratulations to both the winners and the finalists.
To learn more about the winners and finalists of the 2008 Grace Awards, please visit Profiles or click on one of the following categories:
2008 Lifetime Achievement Winner:Â Truett Cathy
2008 Restaurateur of the Year Winner & Finalists
2008 Distinguished Service Provider of the Year Winner & Finalists
