Philip J. Hickey Jr. will be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA), the organization’s highest honor. The award acknowledges Hickey’s significant impact on the American restaurant industry over a career that has spanned more than fifty years.
Hickey’s career began at Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in hospitality business and gained experience in food service. By age 29, he co-founded Cooker Bar & Grille in Sandusky, Ohio, later taking the company public. He also co-founded Green Hills Grille in Nashville and held leadership roles such as president of Rio Bravo Cantina and chairman and CEO of RARE Hospitality International, Inc., which owned LongHorn Steakhouse, Bugaboo Creek Steak House, and The Capital Grille. Hickey also served as chairman of O’Charley’s Inc.
Under his leadership at RARE Hospitality, the company grew to over 300 restaurants with 20,000 employees. Its market capitalization increased from $90 million to $1.3 billion before being acquired by Darden Restaurants. Hickey currently serves as chairman of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House restaurants.
Hickey has played a role in advocacy and industry support beyond his executive positions. He co-founded the Georgia Restaurant Association and served as chairman of the National Restaurant Association. He has also contributed to academic programs at Michigan State University and Georgia State University. His civic activities include board positions with the Georgia Restaurant Association, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Georgia Tourism Foundation. He also chaired the Jimmy Carter Center Board of Councilors.
His industry recognition includes the IFMA Gold and Silver Plate awards, the Golden Chain Award from Nation’s Restaurant News, the Elliot Motivator of the Year Award, and the Norman (Brinker) Leadership Award.
“Phil Hickey is the embodiment of leadership, service and passion for hospitality,” said Stephanie Fischer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association. “His vision has shaped iconic restaurant brands, his advocacy has strengthened our industry, and his generosity has touched countless lives. We are thrilled to honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The GRACE Awards Gala will be held at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on Monday, December 8. The event will recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry. Awards to be presented include Restaurateur of the Year, Emerging Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, the Georgia on My Mind People’s Choice Awards, GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Award, and Lifetime Achievement Honoree. More information about the GRACE Awards is available at garestaurants.org/GRACE.
