The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. Celebrating its 18th year, the GRACE Awards recognize the people and organizations whose leadership and talent continue to strengthen Georgia’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
Peers nominate finalists, giving members of Georgia’s hospitality community the opportunity to recognize those making a meaningful impact across the industry. The GRACE Academy, an independent panel of former GRACE honorees, along with current and former GRA board and advisory board members and GRA corporate partners, selects winners.
“Every year, the GRACE Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary people behind Georgia’s hospitality industry,” said Stephanie Fischer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association. “This year’s finalists represent the talent and spirit of service that make our industry so special. From seasoned leaders to the next generation of hospitality professionals, each finalist is helping shape the future of hospitality in Georgia.”
The 2026 GRACE Awards Gala will be held on Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, with George McKerrow returning to serve as master of ceremonies. The annual celebration brings together restaurant owners, operators, chefs, industry partners, and hospitality leaders from across the state for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence throughout Georgia’s restaurant community.
This year, the GRACE Awards will recognize finalists and honorees across a range of categories, including Restaurateur of the Year, Emerging Restaurateur of the Year, Chef of the Year, Future of Hospitality, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, the GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Honor, and the Georgia on My Mind People’s Choice Awards. The evening will also honor this year’s GRACE Lifetime Achievement recipient.
“What makes the GRACE Awards so meaningful is that these individuals are being recognized by the hospitality community they serve alongside every day,” added Fischer. “Their stories reflect the hard work that defines this industry. We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and bring Georgia’s hospitality community together for an unforgettable evening.”
2026 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS + HONOREES
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Lucky Momo Hospitality (Brush Sushi, Cuddlefish, Lucky Star, Momo Cafe, Momonoki and O by Brush), chef Jason Liang and John Chen
Nooshé Jān Restaurant Group (Bibi Eatery, Delbar Middle Eastern), Fares Kargar
Sterling Hospitality (Marlow’s Tavern, Sterling Culinary Management, and the Woodall), John C. Metz Jr.
Surcheros, Luke Christian
EMERGING RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Che Butter Jonez, chef Malik Rhasaan and Detric Fox-Quinlan (“Bae Butter Jonez”)
Puma Yu’s, Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith
Spur Hospitality (Cuevacía, Saints + Council), William Pitts
Table at the Lake, chef Casey Burchfield and Jon Altizer-Bieger
CHEF OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Chef J. Trent Harris, Mujō and Koshu Club (Castellucci Hospitality Group)
Chef Freddy Money, Atlas (Tavistock Group)
Chef Brian So, Spring, Spring 2nd Branch
Chef Joey Ward, Georgia Boy, Rivalry Beef, Southern Belle, and Southern Belle Chicken Co.
FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY FINALISTS
Foresio AI
Goodr
Serve Robotics
RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Dominique Buchanon, K5 Hospitality
RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Dexter Barber, Ruth’s Chris Steak House (downtown Atlanta)
