The Georgia Restaurant Association Celebrated GRACE awards winners, finalists and honorees at a gala event held at the Georgia Aquarium last night.
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR
Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3rd Spot), Josh Rossmeisl
Finalists
Goldbergs Group, Bradley Saxe
K5 Hospitality, Ayman Kamel
Painted Hospitality, Justin Amick & William Stallworth
RESTAURATEUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Omakase Table + Ryokou, Leonard Yu
Finalists
Cubanos ATL, Ozzy Llanes, Jr.
Flour + Time Bakery, Michael & Leah Bajalia
Mad Dads Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Chef Tony & Pamela Sharpe
INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
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
Finalists
DASH Hospitality Group, David Abes
Lexicon Strategies (#86TheStigma Campaign), Brian Tolleson
TSC Associates, Thomas Hallford
HOSPITALITY HERO OF THE YEAR
Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, Chris Smith
Finalists
Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, Maria Fundora
Electric Hospitality, Michael Lennox
Rally Point Grille, Carrie Roeger
RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jace Reeder, Fenders Diner and Fenders Alley
RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Key Evans, Red Beard Restaurants (Gunshow + Nàdair)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Alan & Cindy LeBlanc, Founders, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group
HALL OF FAME
Phil Noyes, Proof of the Pudding
Guy Thomson, Proof of the Pudding and Pittypat’s Porch
Federico Castellucci II and Nancy Castellucci, Sugo
CHAIRMAN’S HONOR
Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
Favorite Hospitality Hangout: Alta Toro, K5 Hospitality
Favorite Born and Raised Beverage: StillFire Brewing
Favorite Entertainment: Levy Restaurants at State Farm Arena
Uniquely Georgia: The Animal Farm
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.”
