2019 GRACE Awards gala at the Delta Flight MuseumThe Georgia Restaurant Association’ GRACE Awards recognize the state’s hospitality and foodservice professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields, emphasizing the GRA’s mission to celebrate and honor Georgia’s culinary scene.
On Aug. 11, the state’s restaurant community gathered at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta to celebrate the 2019 GRACE Award winners and finalists, who are recognized on below.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Regynald Washington, Paradies Lagardère
Restaurateur of the Year: Small/Independent
Winner: Doug Turbush, Seed Kitchen & Bar | Stem Wine Bar | Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar
Finalist: Delia Champion + John Amend, Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand
Finalist: Jamie Keating, EPIC Restaurant, Inc. | Jamie Keating Culinary, Inc.
Restaurateur of the Year: Large/Corporate
Winner: Taco Mac Industry
Finalist: Norsan Restaurants
Partner of the Year
Winner: Retail Data Systems
Finalist: Aprio
Finalist: Boelter Foodservice Design, Equipment and Supply
Diversity Leadership Award
Winner: Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani Restaurant Group
Finalist: Tracy Gates, Busy Bee Cafe
Finalist: Maggie Antione + Reiko Clark, Ponko Chicken
Distinguished Service Award
Winner: Georgia Mountain Community Food Bank
Finalist: Helms College | Edgar’s Hospitality Group
Finalist: Tropical Smoothie Café
Manager of the Year: Andres Loaiza, Aria
Restaurant Employee of the Year: Donte Jenkins, Dantanna’s
Chairman’s Award: Carl Muth, FoodService Resource Associates
ProStart Student of the Year: Matthew Gilleland, Statesboro High School
