The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has officially released its prestigious list of finalists for the 18th Annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. As one of the most anticipated events on the Peach State’s culinary calendar, the GRACE Awards spotlight the visionary leadership, relentless dedication, and exceptional culinary talent driving Georgia’s multi-billion-dollar restaurant and hospitality industry forward. Peer-nominated and rigorously vetted, this year’s slate of honorees represents the pinnacle of hospitality excellence, community stewardship, and entrepreneurial resilience across the state.

The formal celebration of these culinary leaders will culminate in a grand gala on Monday, December 7, 2026. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, the signature event will bring together restaurateurs, executive chefs, industry partners, and hospitality executives for a night of celebration. Veteran master of ceremonies George McKerrow is slated to return to guide the evening’s festivities, which honor the individuals and institutions shaping the cultural and economic landscape of Georgia dining.

A Tradition of Excellence: Background and Selection Process

Established nearly two decades ago, the GRACE Awards program was designed to elevate the visibility of Georgia’s vibrant hospitality community while honoring those who have made indelible contributions to the field. What sets the awards apart from many traditional culinary accolades is their deeply democratic and peer-driven nomination framework. Members of the state’s hospitality community initiate the process by nominating peers whom they witness making a daily, meaningful impact on their businesses, employees, and patrons.

Once nominations close, the responsibility of determining the ultimate winners falls to the GRACE Academy. This independent and esteemed panel is composed of former GRACE honorees, current and past members of the GRA board of directors, advisory board members, and select corporate partners. This multi-tiered vetting process ensures that every winner has demonstrated sustained excellence, financial leadership, community involvement, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality standards.

Stephanie Fischer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, emphasized the profound significance of peer-based recognition. "Every year, the GRACE Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary people behind Georgia’s hospitality industry," Fischer stated. "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."

Fischer further underscored the unique bond shared by those within the sector. "What makes the GRACE Awards so meaningful is that these individuals are being recognized by the hospitality community they serve alongside every day," she added. "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."

Comprehensive Breakdown of the 2026 Finalists

The 2026 GRACE Awards span a diverse array of categories, acknowledging everything from neighborhood culinary staples to pioneering technological advancements in restaurant operations. Below is the comprehensive list of finalists and honorees recognized for their outstanding contributions this year.

Restaurateur of the Year Finalists

This fiercely contested category honors established restaurant operators who have demonstrated business acumen, concept scalability, exceptional guest experiences, and leadership within the community.

• Lucky Momo Hospitality (encompassing Brush Sushi, Cuddlefish, Lucky Star, Momo Cafe, Momonoki, and O by Brush), led by Chef Jason Liang and John Chen, recognized for their diverse and high-quality portfolio of contemporary Japanese and Asian-inspired concepts.
• Nooshé Jān Restaurant Group (featuring Bibi Eatery and Delbar Middle Eastern), led by Fares Kargar, celebrated for bringing vibrant, authentic Middle Eastern flavors and exceptional hospitality to the forefront of the Atlanta dining scene.
• Sterling Hospitality (operator of Marlow’s Tavern, Sterling Culinary Management, and The Woodall), led by John C. Metz Jr., noted for their operational consistency, scalable tavern models, and upscale neighborhood dining concepts.
• Surcheros, led by Luke Christian, recognized for exceptional regional growth, community integration, and operational success within the fast-casual Mexican dining segment.

Emerging Restaurateur of the Year Finalists

Spotlighting newer enterprises, this category celebrates rising entrepreneurs who have quickly established a distinct culinary identity and commercial viability.

• Che Butter Jonez, led by Chef Malik Rhasaan and Detric Fox-Quinlan (“Bae Butter Jonez”), praised for their cult-following, innovative flavor profiles, and unique cultural footprint.
• Puma Yu’s, led by Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith, acclaimed for their dynamic culinary concepts and refreshing approach to casual dining.
• Spur Hospitality (operator of Cuevacía and Saints + Council), led by William Pitts, recognized for developing compelling concepts that balance atmospheric design with rigorous culinary execution.
• Table at the Lake, led by Chef Casey Burchfield and Jon Altizer-Bieger, celebrated for creating a localized destination that marries community-centric hospitality with strong culinary fundamentals.

Chef of the Year Finalists

The Chef of the Year category highlights culinary artists whose technical mastery, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen elevate Georgia’s profile as a premier national dining destination.

• Chef J. Trent Harris of Mujō and Koshu Club (operating under the Castellucci Hospitality Group), lauded for precision, reverence for tradition, and elevated omakase and cocktail experiences.
• Chef Freddy Money of Atlas (part of the Tavistock Group), recognized for his meticulous French-American technique, seasonal storytelling, and artistic plating.
• Chef Brian So of Spring and Spring 2nd Branch, celebrated for his minimalist yet deeply complex execution of contemporary American cuisine rooted in local sourcing.
• Chef Joey Ward of Georgia Boy, Rivalry Beef, Southern Belle, and Southern Belle Chicken Co., honored for his whimsical, inventive approach to modern Southern cuisine and his multi-concept operational leadership.

Future of Hospitality Finalists

Acknowledging the evolving nature of the dining industry, this category highlights innovators, tech platforms, and operational disruptors that are transforming how restaurants function, optimize labor, and reduce waste.

• Foresio AI, recognized for integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions to streamline restaurant analytics and operational efficiency.
• Goodr, celebrated for its visionary food rescue logistics platform that helps restaurants reduce food waste, support food-insecure communities, and achieve meaningful sustainability metrics.
• Serve Robotics, noted for pioneering advanced autonomous delivery solutions that address modern labor shortages and changing consumer convenience demands.

Restaurant Manager of the Year Finalist

• Dominique Buchanon of K5 Hospitality, honored for exceptional front-of-house leadership, team development, and an unwavering commitment to cultivating memorable guest experiences.

Restaurant Employee of the Year Finalist

• Dexter Barber of Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Downtown Atlanta), recognized for his exemplary dedication, long-standing service, and the quintessential spirit of southern hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest he serves.

In addition to the aforementioned categories, the December gala will confer several special accolades, including the GRA Hall of Fame, the Chairman’s Honor, the Georgia on My Mind People’s Choice Awards, and the highly anticipated GRACE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Economic Impact and Broader Industry Implications

The timing of the GRACE Awards highlights the critical economic engine that the restaurant and hospitality sector represents for the state of Georgia. According to economic data compiled by the National Restaurant Association and the GRA, the hospitality industry accounts for hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state, ranging from entry-level positions to executive management, and contributes billions of dollars directly to Georgia’s gross domestic product.

Industry analysts note that programs like the GRACE Awards play an essential role in talent retention and morale building. In an post-pandemic economic environment marked by shifting labor dynamics, supply chain fluctuations, and rising operational overhead, recognizing front-line employees, innovative managers, and visionary restaurateurs fosters a culture of appreciation and professional longevity. Furthermore, the inclusion of technology-driven finalists like Foresio AI, Goodr, and Serve Robotics underscores how Georgia’s restaurant community is proactively embracing automation, sustainability, and efficiency to navigate modern business challenges.

As the countdown to December 7, 2026, begins, the eyes of the southeastern culinary world are firmly fixed on Atlanta. The upcoming gala at the Georgia Aquarium will not only celebrate individual achievement but will also serve as a collective reaffirmation of the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to make Georgia a national leader in culinary arts and hospitality excellence.