Restaurant Association of Maryland honored the restaurant and foodservice industry at their annual Awards Gala on March 27.
The Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), the only trade association that represents every segment of the foodservice industry in Maryland, celebrated those in the restaurant and foodservice industry on Sunday at their 2022 Awards Gala held at the Maryland Live Casino in Hanover, Md.
“It was a really great evening to be surrounded by so many incredible individuals in the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Marshall Weston Jr., RAM President & CEO. “After the year of challenges this industry has faced, we were humbled to see so many people come together to not only honor, but celebrate those who’ve continued to work so hard and persevere through these tough times.”
Over 600 guests attended the event, ranging from employees, chefs, owners, and industry supporters to enjoy over a dozen delicious food stations, an open bar, live music, industry awards and more. Among the evenings celebrations, RAM recognized the winners of their three prestigious honors along with announcing the winners for favorite industry professionals across the state, voted on by the public. The winners included:
- 2022 RAM Restaurateurs of the Year: Joe & Mary Barbera, AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar (Columbia)
- 2022 Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award: John Minadakis, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (Baltimore)
- 2022 Heart of the Industry Award: Roxanne Upole, General Manager at Roy Rogers (Cumberland)
- Bartender of the Year: Shelby Stange, Independent Brewing Company (Bel Air)
- Chef of the Year: Chef Gregory James, Stars Restaurant at the Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels)
- Restaurant Manager of the Year: Kristen Oktavec, One Eleven Main(Bel Air)
- Server of the Year: Amanda Wiley, Fallston Barrel House (Fallston)
In addition to the industry awards, RAM also announced the Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation’s (RAMEF) 2021/2022 ProStart Teacher and Student of the Year. Hailing from Annapolis High School, Sarah (Fran) Freeberg was named the ProStart State Teacher of the Year and Alexandra Martinez was named the Student of the Year for their outstanding achievement in high school culinary arts and restaurant management education in the state of Maryland. Alexandra was also awarded the Chef Mimmo Cricchio Scholarship as part of her selection as ProStart Student of the Year.
“Our Maryland ProStart program provides an opportunity for high school student to explore culinary and gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that will open doors in the hospitality industry for opportunities to become future restaurant and foodservice leaders,” said Tajala Battle-Lockhart, Director of Programs & Education, RAMEF.”
About Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM)
The Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) exists to promote, protect and improve Maryland’s foodservice and hospitality industry. RAM leads by showcasing restaurants, offering programs that reduce operating costs and advocating for the interests of foodservice businesses. RAM represents all foodservice and hospitality businesses including restaurants, caterers, bars & taverns, private clubs, food trucks, grocery stores, hotels and other businesses that serve food.
About Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation (RAMEF)
The Restaurant Association of Maryland Education Foundation’s mission is to enhance the food service and hospitality industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement. Maryland ProStart® provides high school students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to begin their journey towards becoming tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. Learn more about RAMEF and its programs at www.marylandrestaurants.com/foundation.
