The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has announced this year’s finalists and honorees for the 2024 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. All finalists are peer-nominated, ensuring the most deserving in the industry are recognized. Winners are chosen by the GRACE Academy, which is comprised of former GRACE honorees, current and former GRA Board Members, and GRA Advisory Board Members.

Alan and Cindy LeBlanc (pictured below), founders of Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group, will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. The couple owns and operates Max Lager’s Woodfired Grill & Brewery, Bold Monk Brewing Co., and White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails.  

The LeBlancs opened their first restaurant—Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery—in 1995, establishing what is currently the oldest brewpub in Georgia. Since then, they have transformed previously vacant spaces into vibrant places where hospitality thrives. Between their three restaurants and breweries, they have employed thousands of people. 

“I cannot think of two more deserving individuals than Alan and Cindy LeBlanc,” states Stephanie Fischer, President/CEO of the GRA. “Most people don’t realize the role that they have played in collaborating with state and local leaders to advocate for Georgia’s restaurants. They also played a part in revitalizing downtown Atlanta as a dining destination. The Georgia Restaurant Association would not be where it is today without their unwavering support and dedication to hospitality.” 

Alan has been in the restaurant business since he was a teenager, working as a cook in his parents’ inn in Maine. His love for hospitality led him to study at Cornell University’s renowned School of Hotel Administration. After spending some time in real estate, he returned to restaurants with new expertise. Cindy was a CFO for an international real estate development company before jumping into entrepreneurship. Both were drawn to the industry because of their heart for service. 

Their longevity can be attributed to their commitment to servant leadership and supporting people in need. The restaurants have participated in supporting numerous community causes, such as the Gateway Center, Open Hand Atlanta, Catholic World Missions, and Compassion Kitchen. 

The GRACE Awards Gala, an inclusive event honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry, will take place at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. At the event, winners will be announced for Restaurateur of the Year, Restaurateur Rookie of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, the GRA Hall of Fame and the Georgia on My Mind People's Choice Awards. The GRACE Lifetime Achievement and Chairman’s award winners also will be honored. 

“In an industry that has faced significant challenges—particularly in recent years—the GRACE Awards serves as a testament to the perseverance and creativity of Georgia’s hospitality professionals,” says Fischer. “I’m so proud of this year’s nominees: their heart shines through as they represent diverse spaces of community and connection. This is an evening of celebration and reflection, as the awards recognize both success and the hard work and dedication required to thrive in this dynamic field.” 

2024 GRACE AWARDS FINALISTS + HONOREES

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES

• Alan & Cindy LeBlanc, Founders, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

• Goldbergs Group, Bradley Saxe

• K5 Hospitality, Ayman Kamel

• Painted Hospitality, Justin Amick & William Stallworth

• Amp Up1 Hospitality (Your 3^rd Spot), Josh Rossmeisl

RESTAURATEUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

• Cubanos ATL, Ozzy Llanes, Jr.

• Flour + Time Bakery, Michael & Leah Bajalia

• Mad Dads Philly's Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Chef Tony & Pamela Sharpe

• Omakase Table + Ryokou, Leonard Yu 

INDUSTRY PARTNER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

• DASH Hospitality Group, David Abes

• Fulton County Schools (Culinary Arts Programs at Alpharetta High School, Fulton Schools College & Career Academy, Riverwood International Charter School and Tri-Cities High School), Dustin Davis-Austin

• Lexicon Strategies (#86TheStigma Campaign), Brian Tolleson

• TSC Associates, Thomas Hallford

HOSPITALITY HERO OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

• Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, Maria Fundora

• Electric Hospitality, Michael Lennox

• Rally Point Grille, Carrie Roeger

• Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, Chris Smith 

RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

• Jace Reeder, Fenders Diner and Fenders Alley 

RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

• Key Evans, Red Beard Restaurants (Gunshow + Nàdair) 

People’s Choice Award Honorees + Hall of Fame Inductees will be announced live at the Georgia Aquarium on Dec. 9, 2024. To learn more about the GRACE Awards or to sponsor and purchase tickets, visit garestaurants.org/GRACE.