COLUMBUS – The Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) recognizes the best and brightest in Ohio’s restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry at its annual Industry Awards Celebration.
For the first time, the public can vote to select Ohio’s Best Restaurants, Best “Guest Experience Provider” (front of house), Best “Behind the Scenes” Employee (back of house) and Best Community Partner.
“We’re excited to hear from the public as we recognize the best of Ohio’s hospitality industry,” said ORA President and CEO John Barker. “In the midst of the unprecedented challenges of the last couple of years, Ohioans rallied around their favorite restaurants to help them survive. It’s incredibly important to make guests’ voices heard as we celebrate the best restaurant and hospitality employees in our state.”
Nominations for the categories voted on by the public were accepted between March and July. More than 300 restaurants received at least one nomination, a testament to the food scene across Ohio. To vote, visit ohiorestaurant.org/industryawards by Sept. 30.
In addition to the awards voted on by the public, the ORA accepts nominations from industry professionals in 10 other categories. Awardees in these categories are chosen by a committee of the ORA staff leadership and board of directors.
- Hall of Fame
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Industry Innovator
- Rising Star
- Spotless Award
- Outstanding Public Official
- Outstanding Industry Educator
- Ohio ProStart® Student of the Year
- ORA Ambassador
- Outstanding Vendor Award
Last year, the ORA inducted Donatos Pizza founder Jim Grote to its Hall of Fame and honored Nader Masadeh, president and CEO of Buffalo Wings and Rings, with its Claude F. Morton Lifetime Achievement award. Laurie Torres of Mallorca in Cleveland was named Rising Star among the 2021 award winners.
About the Ohio Restaurant Association
Since 1920, the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) has served Ohio's restaurant and food-service industry, with its members always being its No. 1 priority. Founded on thought leadership and focused on finding sound business solutions for their members, the ORA offers advocacy, education, events and select products and services. For more information, visit ohiorestaurant.org.
