Best GA Restaurants Honored At 2024 GRACE Awards

ATLANTA, GA — Culinary greatness was recently determined at the 2024 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards.

The winners of the GRACE Awards were announced Monday at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

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 chose the winners.

“I am proud and honored to celebrate the exceptional talents and unwavering dedication of the people behind Georgia’s restaurant industry, whose contributions not only enrich our communities but also elevate the culinary excellence of our great state,” GRA President and CEO Stephanie Fischer said in a news release.

The top honor went 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.

Here are the 2024 GRACE Award winners and what GRACE had to say about them:

Restauranteur of the Year: Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3rd Spot)

"Your 3rd Spot blends dining, entertainment and community-driven experiences for a truly fun experience. With 30 years in hospitality, founder Josh Rossmeisl evolved from a dishwasher in a small restaurant to a respected industry leader. ... At Your 3rd Spot, every decision is centered around a core purpose: connecting people and building community."

Restaurateur Rookie of the Year: Omakase Table + Ryokou

"Under the leadership of Chef Leonard Yu, Omakase Table has emerged as a standout in Atlanta, being recognized with its first Michelin star this year. What began as a pop-up during the pandemic with only two guests in its opening week now welcomes 24 people daily to experience the art of omakase. ... By blending authentic Japanese techniques with a personalized, supportive leadership style, Yu has crafted an experience that has redefined dining for his guests and elevated standards within the industry."

Hospitality Hero of the Year: Zunzi’s + Zunzibar

"Chris Smith founded Zunzi’s to create opportunities for community participation and personal growth. Smith has challenged conventional industry norms with a bold and refreshing approach. ... Every quarter, they host Zunzifest, which donates 1 percent of sales of the previous month to a nonprofit that aligns with their mission. Since its inception, they’ve provided almost $100,000 to causes including the food bank, CURE Childhood Cancer, Giving Kitchen, United Way and Habitat for Humanity."

Industry Partner of the Year: Fulton County Schools

"Through its culinary arts program, Fulton County Schools plays a critical role in preparing students for successful careers in Georgia’s hospitality sector. With a mission to equip students with essential skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, sanitation, menu planning and restaurant management, these programs ensure students graduate workforce-ready, fully prepared for postsecondary education or even entrepreneurial ventures. Dustin Davis-Austin, who serves as the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education director, has amplified the impact of these programs by fostering partnerships with local restaurants, hotels and catering companies. ... Fulton County Schools not only champions culinary education but also invests in the future of its students, inspiring them to pursue rewarding careers in hospitality."

Restaurant Manager of the Year: Jace Reeder

"Jace Reeder has only been in the restaurant industry for eight years, and during that time, hospitality has been his sole professional focus. ... His journey has been fueled by a dedication to hard work, a mindset grounded in humility and a supportive community of friends, family and colleagues. Reeder credits much of his success to his father, Jay Reeder, who serves as a mentor and role model. Inspired by his father’s experience and integrity, Reeder strives daily to embody the values his father instilled in him, allowing him to grow both as a leader and a person. ... From seeing customers’ smiles to witnessing the buzz of conversation in the dining room, he finds fulfillment in the personal connections that Fenders facilitates."

Restaurant Employee of the Year: Key Evans

With over 15 years of experience, Key Evans has built a career marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the beginning, Key approached his roles within the restaurant as if it were his own business. This mindset has fostered a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty, traits that have earned him the respect of his colleagues and superiors alike. ... Evans’ focus on maintaining a clean, organized kitchen has earned the respect of the chefs, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality dishes without distractions."

Hall of Fame: Federico Castellucci II and Nancy Castellucci

"Federico Castellucci II, affectionately known as Mr. C, and his wife Nancy (Mrs. C) are celebrated restaurateurs and icons in the Georgia dining scene. Federico’s path in hospitality began unexpectedly when he returned home to rebuild his father’s Rhode Island restaurant, Archie’s Tavern, after a devastating fire. Through resilience and hard work, he established Rhode Island’s largest steakhouse and later expanded to multiple locations. In 1996, the Castelluccis moved to Atlanta, where they opened Roasted Garlic. In 2003, they opened Sugo in Roswell, a family-inspired concept crafted alongside their son Federico III. From there, the company blossomed into Castellucci Hospitality Group, now led by their children Federico III, Stephanie and John, which operates many metro Atlanta restaurants today. ..."

Hall of Fame: Phil Noyes

"With a hands-on business philosophy, Phil Noyes has forged a long-standing career by providing clients and customers with a professional food service product that produces a first-class image. From 1980-2006, Noyes was president/owner of MGR Food Services, operator of food and beverage services for the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. As the president and majority owner of Proof of the Pudding by MGR (off-premise catering division for MGR), Noyes developed exclusive contract relationships with The Carter Center, Gas South Arena, Buford Community Center, Douglasville Conference Center, Georgia International Convention Center, Georgia International Horse Park, Plain Delicious Airport Concepts and the Fripp Island Resort. ..."

Hall of Fame: Guy Thomson

"Guy Thomson has left an indelible mark on Georgia’s hospitality industry through his dedication and impact. As co-owner of Proof of the Pudding, he transformed a boutique catering service into one of the state’s leading catering companies. Partnering with Phil Noyes, Thomson was instrumental in expanding Proof's exclusive venues to more than 20 locations, including The Carter Center and the Georgia International Convention Center. He got his start in the industry, serving as general manager at Victoria Station Restaurants before becoming senior vice president of the Georgia Hotel and Travel Association, where he helped pioneer events like the Atlanta International Wine Festival. Thomson has been a constant advocate for Georgia’s hospitality community, serving actively with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and contributing to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. ..."

Members of the Georgia restaurant community nominated and voted for four categories in GRACE's People's Choice Awards.

Those winners were:

• Favorite Neighborhood Hangout: AltaToro, K5 Hospitality (Atlanta)
• Favorite Born-and-Raised Beverage: StillFire Brewing (Suwanee)
• Favorite "Eatertainment" Experience: Levy Restaurants at State Farm Arena (Atlanta)
• Uniquely Georgia Restaurant: The Animal Farm (Columbus)

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was honored with the 2024 GRA Chairman’s Award.