The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has named the finalists for the 2025 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. Now in its seventeenth year, the GRACE Awards highlight outstanding performance and hospitality within Georgia’s restaurant and foodservice sector.
Philip J. Hickey, Jr., Chairman of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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).
In the Emerging Restaurateur of the Year category, Hudson Terrell (The Animal Farm and Gabagool Italian), Kyle Bryner (Blue Hound Barbecue), Erika Council (Bomb Biscuit Co.), and Arnaldo Castillo (Tio Lucho’s) are among those recognized.
Industry Partner of the Year finalists are Gas South, Halperns’ Steak & Seafood, and Sard & Leff.
Fat Man’s Cafe and Catering led by Brad Usry and Hav Usry, Parker’s Kitchen under Greg Parker, as well as Publix Super Markets – Atlanta Division have been selected as Hospitality Hero of the Year finalists.
Nathan Martin from Ted’s Montana Grill in Peachtree City is recognized as Restaurant Manager of the Year. Brian Boyle from Atlanta Fish Market is a finalist for Restaurant Employee of the Year along with Traci Heller from Hudson Grille Midtown who is being honored posthumously.
All nominees were selected through peer nominations to ensure recognition by industry professionals familiar with their work. The winners will be chosen by an independent panel made up of former honorees as well as current and former members of GRA boards.
Stephanie Fischer, President & CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association said: “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.”
This year’s awards gala will take place on December 8 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The event gathers restaurant owners, chefs, suppliers, and community leaders from across Georgia to recognize excellence in hospitality. George McKerrow from Ted’s Montana Grill will act as master of ceremonies for this edition. Winners will be announced in categories including 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, GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Honor Award, and People’s Choice Awards. Philip J. Hickey Jr., this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient, will also be formally acknowledged.
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.”
