The National Restaurant Association (NRA) recognized chefs from five member restaurants in Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York City, and Washington, D.C., who are all participating in the sixth season of “Top Chef,” which was recorded in Las Vegas.

“These individuals symbolize the entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities that are so prevalent in our industry, and they will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for many aspiring chefs and current professionals,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the NRA. “Our industry is full of success stories of people who have realized their dream of opening a restaurant of their own or running the kitchen of an established eatery. It speaks volumes that several association member restaurants are represented on this popular television show, and we wish the chefs best of luck.”

The chefs representing restaurants that are members of the NRA, as well as their state restaurant association, include: Eve Aronoff, chef/owner of Eve the Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ash Fulk, sous chef at Trestle on Tenth in New York City; Kevin Gillespie, executive chef/partner of Woodfire Grill in Atlanta; Michael Isabella, executive chef at Zaytinya in Washington, D.C.; and Bryan Voltaggio, chef/partner of VOLT in Frederick, Maryland.

Former “Top Chef” contestants and winners have participated in the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, the premier trade show for restaurant and hospitality industry professionals to explore new trends and products. NRA Show 2010 will be held May 22-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The sixth season of the No. 1 food show on cable, Bravo’s Emmy and James Beard Award–winning series returns with “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” premiering Wednesday, August 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.