Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) revealed the finalists for the 8th Annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. These finalists are peer-nominated and the winners will be announced November 2nd at the GRACE Awards Gala to be held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Ga. The GRA will also honor this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Hal Nowak of Hal's on Old Ivy.
The GRACE Awards recognize and pay tribute to the leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia's restaurant industry. All finalists are peer nominated, which ensures that we honor the most deserving of our Industry. To learn more about the GRACE Awards, or purchase tickets, visit www.garestaurants.org/GRACE.
2014 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS
- George Frangos, Farm Burger
- Neal McCarthy and Steven Satterfield, Miller Union
- Jennifer and Ben Johnson, Shelley Sweet, West Egg Café, The General Muir, Fred's Meat & Bread, Yalla and Todd Ginsberg, The General Muir, Fred's Meat & Bread, Yalla
Industry Partner of the Year
Distinguished Service Award
The Innovator Award
- Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow
- Nick Melvin, Doux South and Venkman's
- Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor, Sobban
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
- Hal Nowak of Hal's on Old Ivy
Chairman’s Award
- Commissioner Gary W. Black, Georgia Department of Agriculture
About the Georgia Restaurant Association
The GRA’s mission is to serve as the voice for Georgia’s Restaurants in Advocacy, Education and Awareness. The GRA is sanctioned by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to operate Georgia’s only not-for-profit representing the state’s foodservice industry. From large chains to start-ups, the GRA helps make Georgia a better place for restaurants to do business and helps make restaurants better for Georgia.
About the GRACE Awards
The GRACE Awards is the Georgia Restaurant Association’s annual black-tie gala event honoring Georgia’s Restaurant Industry. The GRACE awards are peer-nominated and honor the top finalists in the following categories: Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and the Innovator Award. The winners are announced at the event, and are presented with crystal works of art created by renowned local artist Hans-Godo Frabel.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, whose mission is to fight hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering the community.
Source: Georgia Restaurant Association