The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) announced the winners of the 2025 Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards on December 8 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The GRACE Awards Gala is an annual event recognizing outstanding achievements in Georgia’s restaurant industry.
This year, the Restaurateur of the Year award went to I. Pano Karatassos, Pano I. Karatassos, and Niko I. Karatassos of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, based in Atlanta. Other finalists for this category included Scott McCray from LEAD Hospitality; Feroz Delawalla representing Louisiana Bistreaux and Malone’s Steak & Seafood; and Tal Baum of Oliva Restaurant Group.
The Emerging Restaurateur of the Year honor was awarded to Kyle Bryner, owner of Blue Hound Barbecue in Dillard. Additional nominees were Hudson Terrell from The Animal Farm and Gabagool Italian in Columbus; Erika Council with Bomb Biscuit Co., Atlanta; and Arnaldo Castillo from Tio Lucho’s, Atlanta.
Brad and Hav Usry of Fat Man’s Café & Catering in Augusta received the Hospitality Hero of the Year award for their community-focused efforts during times of crisis, such as after Hurricanes Debby and Helene. They were recognized alongside other nominees Greg Parker from Parker’s Kitchen and Publix Super Markets – Atlanta Division.
Gas South was named Industry Partner of the Year for its service to Georgia’s hospitality sector and investment in local communities. Other finalists were Halpern’s Steak & Seafood and Sard & Leff.
The association also recognized individuals with pre-announced awards:
– Nathan Martin of Ted’s Montana Grill in Peachtree City was named Restaurant Manager of the Year.
– Brian Boyle from Atlanta Fish Market received one Restaurant Employee of the Year award.
– Traci Heller was posthumously honored as Restaurant Employee of the Year for her contributions at Hudson Grille Midtown.
Three new members were inducted into the GRA Hall of Fame: Claude Guillaume, known for his leadership at Ritz-Carlton properties and Paradies Lagardère; George McKerrow, co-founder of both LongHorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill; and I. Pano Karatassos, founder and CEO of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group.
Philip J. Hickey Jr. received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his five decades shaping restaurant brands such as Rio Bravo Mexican Grill, Copeland’s, Cheesecake Bistro, Rare Hospitality (including LongHorn Steakhouse), The Capital Grille, Miller’s Ale House, and through his service as past chairman of the National Restaurant Association.
Winners are selected by peer nomination through a process involving past honorees, members of the GRA Board of Directors, and Advisory Board. Recipients receive crystal art pieces designed by artist Hans Godo Fräbel.
During this year’s gala event, Governor Brian Kemp was presented with the 2025 GRA Chairman’s Award.
“Georgia’s restaurant community is built by extraordinary people whose passion and resilience uplift our entire state,” said Stephanie Fischer, GRA President and CEO. “It is an honor to recognize their achievements and celebrate the excellence they bring each day. Their contributions fuel local economies, strengthen neighborhoods and reflect the very best of Georgia hospitality.”
