GA Restaurants To Take Center Stage At GRACE Awards

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia's best of the best in the culinary industry will soon take center stage at the 2024 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards.

The GRA recently announced finalists for its annual awards, which will occur at 7:15 p.m., Dec. 9, at the Georgia Aquarium. The black-tie optional dinner will include a cocktail hour at 6 p.m.

“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,” GRA President and CEO Stephanie Fischer said in a news release.

“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 both success and the hard work and dedication required to thrive in this dynamic field.”

According to the GRA, finalists were nominated by their peers in the categories of Restauranteur of the Year, Restauranteur Rookie of the Year, Industry of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year and Restaurant Employee of the Year.

Selectees were also made for the GRA Hall of Fame and the Georgia on My Mind People's Choice Award. The GRACE Academy will choose the winners.

The top honor will go to the GRACE Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Alan and Cindy LeBlanc, founders of Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group in Atlanta, according to the release.

The LeBlancs own Max Lager’s Woodfired Grill and Brewery, Bold Monk Brewing Co. and White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails.

“I cannot think of two more deserving individuals than Alan and Cindy LeBlanc,” Fischer said in the release. “Most people don’t realize the role that they have played in collaborating with state and local leaders to advocate for Georgia’s restaurants. They also played a part in revitalizing downtown Atlanta as a dining destination. The Georgia Restaurant Association would not be where it is today without their unwavering support and dedication to hospitality.”

The GRA advocates for statewide restaurants on the culinary scene, and the yearly awards honor the excellence of those in the industry, according to the release.

Here are the 2024 GRACE Award finalists:

Restauranteur of the Year:

• Goldbergs Group, Bradley Saxe - Atlanta

- Goldbergs Fine Foods, Braves All Star Grill, Goldbergs Commissary, Goldbergs Concessions Corp., Mainline Aviation Flight Services, Mainline Foods and Goldway Construction

• K5 Hospitality, Ayman Kamel - Atlanta

- Alta Toro, 5Church Buckhead, Virtue Rooftop Lounge, 5Church Midtown

• Painted Hospitality, Justin Amick & William Stallworth - Atlanta
• Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3rd Spot), Josh Rossmeisl - Atlanta

Restauranteur Rookie of the Year:

• Cubanos ATL, Ozzy Llanes, Jr. - Sandy Springs and Roswell
• Flour + Time Bakery, Michael & Leah Bajalia - Atlanta
• Mad Dads Philly's Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies, Chef Tony & Pamela Sharpe - Atlanta
• Omakase Table + Ryokou, Leonard Yu - Atlanta

Industry of the Year:

• DASH Hospitality Group, David Abes - Dunwoody

- Bar{n} booze {n} bites, Morty's Meat and Supply, The Village, Message in a Bottle and Yoffi

• Fulton County Schools (culinary arts programs at Alpharetta High School, Fulton Schools College and Career Academy, Riverwood International Charter School and Tri-Cities High School), Dustin Davis-Austin - Fulton County
• Lexicon Strategies (#86TheStigma Campaign), Brian Tolleson - Buckhead
• TSC Associates, Thomas Hallford - ServSafe training throughout Georgia

Hospitality Hero of the Year:

• Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, Maria Fundora - Alpharetta
• Electric Hospitality, Michael Lennox

Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall, Muchacho, Ranger Station and Electric Events

• Rally Point Grille, Carrie Roeger - Woodstock
• Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, Chris Smith - Savannah

Restaurant Manager of the Year:

• Jace Reeder, Fenders Diner and Fenders Alley - Cornelia

Restaurant Employee of the Year:

• Key Evans, Red Beard Restaurants (Gunshow + Nàdair) - Decatur