Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards

The Michigan Restaurant Association is searching for industry champions to be honored at the annual Dinner with the Champions. The Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards recognizes outstanding employees of the foodservice industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of the Restaurant Industry in the state. The awards will be presented during Dinner with the Champions in 2017.  

Application Rules
  • All honorees must be employed by restaurants that are members of the Michigan Restaurant Association
  • Businesses may only submit one entry per category (a total of three entries per company)
  • Honorees should have served our industry for at least two years
  • The Awards Nomination Form should be completed and submitted with a letter of recommendation (500 words maximum) and support materials.
  • Support materials may include: photos, letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings, testimonials, etc. 

Award Categories - Please click on the award category to submit a nomination
Front of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.  

Heart of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.

Restaurant Manager of the Year – This award will recognize a management employee that is top-of-class in all areas. Nominate a manager that has exemplary operational performance, terrific customer service, a person that goes beyond typical job duties.    

If you have any questions, call 800-968-9668 and speak with Amanda Smith.
Past Winners

Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year                      
2017       Cynthia Lemmink, Beltline Bar
2016       Dana Moorman, Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill (Ypsilanti)
2015       JJ Caldwell, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Northville)
2014       Chris Webb, Lily’s Seafood Grill and Brewery (Royal Oak) 

Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year
 
2017       Samantha Rafo, Johnny Noodle King
2016       Derek Bitterman, Three Brothers Pizza (Lowell)
2015       Elliot Webb, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Bloomfield Hills)
              Joe Marsalese, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille (Caledonia)                 
2014       Jake Kibler, HopCat (Grand Rapids)

Restaurant Manager of the Year
2017       Brenda Vanderlann, Snug Harbor
2016       Vera Day Rizer, Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve (Birmingham)
2015       Lea Schofield, Bill’s (Bloomfield Hills)
2014       Bobbie Jo Benko, Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls)