On February 23, 2020, the Ohio Restaurant Association is hosting it’s annual awards celebration spotlighting the hard work, dedication and outstanding professional & community services of their members. They will recognize extraordinary contributions and innovative ideas: use of technology, charitable contributions, transformative products, and dedication to education.

Through a lifetime of passion and leadership, these champions of the Ohio restaurant, foodservice & hospitality industry exemplify what it means to be the best. The ceremony will take place on at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, with the cocktail hour starting at 5:15pm, followed by dinner and awards.

Honorees will be honored in the following categories:

The Claude F. Morton, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: The ORA’s highest award given to one restaurateur for exceptional lifetime service to the restaurant industry and his/her community. Nominees must have been an ORA member for 10+ years.

Outstanding Restaurateur Award: A restaurateur(s) recognized for his/her extraordinary contributions to the restaurant industry – a leader that implements innovative ideas, demonstrates passion for the industry and their community. One winner selected from the following regions: Northern Ohio, Central Ohio and Southern Ohio.

Outstanding Vendor Award: A company recognized for its exceptional service to the restaurant community.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley has been named the Outstanding Public Official Award: This award honors public officials who fight for the best interest of small business owners and the restaurant community.

Outstanding Industry Educator: This award honors an educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of the Ohio foodservice industry.

Industry Innovator: This award is presented to an individual or company that has applied a new product or creative approach, resulting in the growth or transformation of their business.

Sparkle Award: This award honors a restaurant or company with an outstanding cleanliness and food safety record.

Tech Titan: Recognizing an individual or organization for their use of technology to enhance their business or impact the foodservice industry.

Rising Star: Honors an emerging leader in the foodservice industry – one whose work demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth and high potential for future impact.

Nourishing the Community: Recognizing an individual or organization for their outstanding contributions through community service or charitable involvement.

Front of House Award: Serves as a model employee by displaying an outstanding work ethic, excellent customer service and is a leader among their peers. Nominees must be in a non-managerial position at an Ohio Restaurant Association member restaurant.

Back of House Award: Serves as a model employee by displaying an outstanding work ethic, excellent attention to detail and is a leader among their peers. Nominees must be in a non-managerial position at an Ohio Restaurant Association member restaurant.

Hall of Fame: The ORA’s Hall of Fame was founded in 2018 with a purpose of recognizing the best and brightest leaders in the industry who have served with distinction and align with the ORA’s core values. To be nominated and considered for this prestigious designation, an individual or entity must have operated in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality business in Ohio for at least 25 years and be an ORA member.

Ohio Restaurant Association Industry Awards Celebration

Sunday, February 23, 2020 5:15 PM – 9:30 PM EST

George Bellowes Ballroom
401 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Located in the George Bellows Ballroom on the lower level of the Hilton Columbus, Downtown

Cocktail Hour: 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Awards: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tickets run $125 for an individual or $950 for a table of eight. For information about sponsoring a table for the event, please contact Melissa DeGraw; 614-246-0130 or [email protected]