admin
The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has officially unveiled the finalists for the 18th annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards, marking a significant milestone for the state’s culinary and hospitality sector. As the premier recognition program for Georgia’s food service industry, the GRACE Awards serve to highlight the individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to service. This year’s announcement comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as Georgia continues to solidify its reputation as a global culinary destination, driven by a diverse array of restaurateurs, chefs, and service professionals.
The finalists were selected through a rigorous peer-nomination process, allowing members of the local hospitality community to identify the colleagues and businesses that have made the most substantial impact over the past year. The final winners will be determined by the GRACE Academy, an elite and independent panel composed of former GRACE honorees, current and former GRA board members, advisory board members, and key corporate partners. This multi-tiered selection process ensures that the awards remain a true reflection of professional excellence as judged by those with deep institutional knowledge of the trade.
A Legacy of Excellence and Industry Impact
The 2026 GRACE Awards Gala is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 7, 2026, at the iconic Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. The choice of venue underscores the scale and prestige of the event, which serves as the largest annual gathering for the state’s hospitality leaders. George McKerrow, a legendary figure in the American restaurant scene and co-founder of LongHorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill, will return to his role as the master of ceremonies.
Stephanie Fischer, President and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, emphasized the importance of the awards in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. "Every year, the GRACE Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary people behind Georgia’s hospitality industry," Fischer stated. "This year’s finalists represent the talent and spirit of service that make our industry so special. From seasoned leaders to the next generation of hospitality professionals, each finalist is helping shape the future of hospitality in Georgia."
The significance of these awards extends beyond individual recognition; they serve as a barometer for the health and direction of an industry that is a primary driver of Georgia’s economy. According to data from the National Restaurant Association and the GRA, Georgia’s restaurant industry includes more than 20,000 locations and provides employment for approximately 500,000 people—roughly 10% of the state’s total workforce. The industry generates billions in annual sales, contributing significantly to the state’s tax base and overall economic stability.
Categorical Breakdown of the 2026 Finalists
The GRACE Awards are divided into several categories, each designed to capture a specific facet of the hospitality experience. From high-volume restaurateurs to innovative tech startups, the 2026 finalists reflect a broad spectrum of the industry.
Restaurateur of the Year
The Restaurateur of the Year category recognizes established leaders who have demonstrated sustained growth and operational excellence. The 2026 finalists include:
- Lucky Momo Hospitality: Led by Chef Jason Liang and John Chen, this group has built a diverse portfolio including Brush Sushi, Momonoki, and Cuddlefish, blending traditional techniques with modern Atlanta sensibilities.
- Nooshé Jān Restaurant Group: Fares Kargar’s group has become a standard-bearer for Middle Eastern cuisine in the Southeast, with popular concepts like Delbar and Bibi Eatery.
- Sterling Hospitality: Under the leadership of John C. Metz Jr., Sterling Hospitality continues to dominate the casual upscale market with Marlow’s Tavern and The Woodall.
- Surcheros: Founded by Luke Christian, Surcheros represents the successful scaling of fresh-Mex concepts across the region, proving the viability of high-quality fast-casual dining.
Emerging Restaurateur of the Year
This category highlights the "rising stars" of the industry—those who have recently launched successful concepts and are showing signs of significant future impact.
- Che Butter Jonez: Chef Malik Rhasaan and Detric Fox-Quinlan have garnered national attention for their unique "bohemian" take on gourmet comfort food.
- Puma Yu’s: Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith have created a buzz in the Athens and Atlanta areas with their innovative approach to Southeast Asian flavors.
- Spur Hospitality: William Pitts is recognized for the growth of Cuevacía and Saints + Council, which emphasize community-centric dining.
- Table at the Lake: Chef Casey Burchfield and Jon Altizer-Bieger have successfully tapped into the destination dining market, offering elevated experiences outside the traditional urban core.
Chef of the Year
The Chef of the Year category focuses on culinary artistry and technical mastery. The finalists for 2026 include:
- Chef J. Trent Harris (Mujō and Koshu Club): Known for precision in omakase-style dining.
- Chef Freddy Money (Atlas): Recognized for bringing European refinement and artistic plating to the Tavistock Group’s flagship.
- Chef Brian So (Spring): Celebrated for his farm-to-table philosophy and seasonal focus in Marietta.
- Chef Joey Ward (Southern Belle, Georgia Boy): A leader in experimental and immersive dining experiences in Atlanta.
The Future of Hospitality and Technological Innovation
A notable addition to the GRACE Awards in recent years is the "Future of Hospitality" category, which acknowledges the role of technology and sustainability in the modern restaurant landscape. The 2026 finalists—Foresio AI, Goodr, and Serve Robotics—represent the cutting edge of industry evolution.
Foresio AI is being recognized for its work in predictive analytics, helping restaurant owners optimize inventory and labor costs through artificial intelligence. Goodr, a local success story, focuses on hunger relief and food waste management, using a sophisticated logistics platform to divert surplus food from restaurants to those in need. Serve Robotics highlights the shift toward autonomous delivery solutions, addressing the "last-mile" delivery challenges that have become more acute since the pandemic-driven shift to off-premise dining.
The inclusion of these companies reflects a broader industry trend toward "Restech" (restaurant technology). Industry analysts suggest that by late 2026, over 40% of mid-to-large-scale restaurant operations in Georgia will have integrated some form of AI-driven management or automated delivery service to combat rising labor costs and supply chain volatility.
Recognition of Frontline Excellence
While much of the spotlight often falls on owners and chefs, the GRACE Awards place equal importance on the individuals who manage the daily operations and interact directly with guests. The Restaurant Manager of the Year and Restaurant Employee of the Year categories celebrate the "backbone" of the industry.
Dominique Buchanon of K5 Hospitality is a finalist for Manager of the Year, cited for her leadership in maintaining high service standards during a period of rapid industry transition. In the Employee of the Year category, Dexter Barber of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in downtown Atlanta has been nominated for his career-long dedication to hospitality, representing the thousands of service professionals who define the guest experience in Georgia.
The GRACE Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame
In addition to the competitive categories, the gala will feature the induction of new members into the GRA Hall of Fame and the presentation of the GRACE Lifetime Achievement recipient. These honors are reserved for individuals who have dedicated decades to the industry, not only through their business ventures but also through their mentorship of the next generation and their advocacy for the hospitality profession.
The "Georgia on My Mind" People’s Choice Awards will also be a highlight of the evening, allowing the general public to vote for their favorite establishments. This category bridges the gap between industry professionals and the consumers they serve, highlighting the restaurants that have become cultural staples within their communities.
Industry Outlook and Economic Implications
The 2026 GRACE Awards arrive at a time when the Georgia hospitality sector is navigating a complex economic environment. While consumer spending at restaurants remains robust, operators face ongoing challenges related to inflation, interest rates, and a competitive labor market. The GRA plays a vital role in this ecosystem, acting as a legislative advocate at the State Capitol to ensure that policies support the growth of small businesses and the protection of hospitality workers.
The awards gala serves as a fundraising platform for the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation, which supports educational initiatives like ProStart, a high school program that prepares students for careers in culinary arts and restaurant management. By celebrating current success, the GRACE Awards directly contribute to the sustainability of the industry’s future talent pipeline.
As the industry prepares for the December gala, the announcement of the finalists serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity inherent in the hospitality world. Whether through the refined elegance of a fine-dining kitchen or the operational efficiency of a tech-driven startup, the 2026 finalists represent the best of Georgia’s vibrant and ever-evolving restaurant community.
