The Rising Stars celebration lunch was held at Zakia restaurant in Buckhead on June 25. In a beautiful setting, each of the 2025 Rising Stars was honored and presented with a framed picture of the article written about them in Restaurant Informer.
Two past Rising Stars, Pepe Fundora of Casa Nuova restaurant and Laura Orellana Martin of Osteria Mattone restaurant joined the celebration. Several of the Rising Stars restaurant owners and senior management were also present, including: Ryan and Dan Pernice of R.O. Hospitality, Juan Calle of Buena Vida Tapas and Brandon Chavannes and Kit Lewis of Fifth Group.
The Rising Stars celebration lunch was made possible because of the support of presenting sponsor, Performance Foodservice; and table sponsors, Savannah Distributing and Society Insurance.
Start thinking of your nominations for Rising Stars Class of 2026 and submit them on the nominations page.
Thank you to our 2025 Risings Stars sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Table sponsors
Savannah Distributing and Society Insurance
