The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has announced this year’s finalists and honorees for the 2024 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. Winners from the list of finalists will be announced at the Gala that will take place at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on December 9.
2024 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS + HONOREES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
- Alan & Cindy LeBlanc, Founders, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
- Goldbergs Group, Bradley Saxe
- K5 Hospitality, Ayman Kamel
- Painted Hospitality, Justin Amick & William Stallworth
- Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3rd Spot), Josh Rossmeisl
RESTAURATEUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
- Cubanos ATL, Ozzy Llanes, Jr.
- Flour + Time Bakery, Michael & Leah Bajalia
- Mad Dads Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Chef Tony & Pamela Sharpe
- Omakase Table + Ryokou, Leonard Yu
INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
- DASH Hospitality Group, David Abes
- Fulton County Schools (Culinary Arts Programs at Alpharetta High School, Fulton Schools College & Career Academy, Riverwood International Charter School and Tri-Cities High School), Dustin Davis-Austin
- Lexicon Strategies (#86TheStigma Campaign), Brian Tolleson
- TSC Associates, Thomas Hallford
HOSPITALITY HERO OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
- Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, Maria Fundora
- Electric Hospitality, Michael Lennox
- Rally Point Grille, Carrie Roeger
- Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, Chris Smith
RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
- Jace Reeder, Fenders Diner and Fenders Alley
RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
- Key Evans, Red Beard Restaurants (Gunshow + Nàdair)
People’s Choice Award Honorees + Hall of Fame Inductees will be announced live on Dec. 9, 2024, at the Georgia Aquarium.
All finalists are peer-nominated, ensuring the most deserving in the industry are recognized. Winners are chosen by the GRACE Academy, comprised of former GRACE honorees, current and former GRA Board Members and GRA Advisory Board Members. “In an industry that has faced significant challenges—particularly in recent years—the GRACE Awards serves as a testament to the perseverance and creativity of Georgia’s hospitality professionals,” says Fischer. “I’m so proud of this year’s nominees: their heart shines through as they represent diverse spaces of community and connection. This is an evening of celebration and reflection, as the awards recognize not only success but also the hard work and dedication required to thrive in this dynamic field.”
