The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. The awards, now in their 17th year, recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in hospitality within Georgia’s restaurant and foodservice industry.
Philip J. Hickey, Jr., Chairman of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House, will receive the Lifetime Achievement honor.
Finalists for Restaurateur of the Year include Buckhead Life Restaurant Group (I. Pano Karatassos, Pano I. Karatassos and Niko I. Karatassos), LEAD Hospitality (Scott McCray), Louisiana Bistreaux and Malone’s Steak & Seafood (Feroz Delawalla), and Oliva Restaurant Group (Tal Baum).
Emerging Restaurateur of the Year finalists are Hudson Terrell of The Animal Farm and Gabagool Italian, Kyle Bryner of Blue Hound Barbecue, Erika Council of Bomb Biscuit Co., and Arnaldo Castillo of Tio Lucho’s.
Industry Partner of the Year finalists are Gas South, Halperns’ Steak & Seafood, and Sard & Leff.
Hospitality Hero of the Year finalists include Fat Man’s Cafe and Catering (Brad Usry and Hav Usry), Parker’s Kitchen (Greg Parker), and Publix Super Markets – Atlanta Division.
Nathan Martin from Ted’s Montana Grill in Peachtree City is recognized as Restaurant Manager of the Year. Restaurant Employees of the Year are Brian Boyle from Atlanta Fish Market (Buckhead Life Restaurant Group) and Traci Heller from Hudson Grille Midtown (Metrotainment Cafes), with Heller being honored posthumously.
All nominees were selected by their peers in the industry to ensure recognition goes to those who demonstrate dedication to hospitality. Winners will be chosen by the GRACE Academy, which includes former honorees as well as current and past GRA Board members.
Stephanie Fischer, President & CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, stated: “The GRACE Awards celebrate the heart of Georgia’s hospitality community—people who work tirelessly, lead with passion and serve with integrity. Our finalists represent every corner of the state and every segment of the industry, from neighborhood favorites to iconic regional brands. Their resilience, innovation and commitment to service continue to elevate Georgia as a premier dining destination.”
The 2025 GRACE Awards Gala is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The event will bring together professionals from across Georgia’s restaurant sector for an evening recognizing excellence in hospitality. George McKerrow from Ted’s Montana Grill will serve as master of ceremonies. In addition to category winners, honors such as GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Honor, and Georgia on My Mind People’s Choice Awards will be presented.
Fischer added: “The GRACE Awards are more than a recognition of achievement—they are a reflection of the power of hospitality to build community and create opportunity. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable finalists and the role they play in driving Georgia’s economic success and cultural vibrancy.”
