Bar & Restaurant Expo is pleased to announce the finalists of its 2024 Industry Excellence Awards. Finalists in each category are celebrated for their dedication to the independent bar and restaurant industry. These individuals and businesses exemplify integrity, commitment to equality, sustainability, community, and culture across the industry.
Finalists in each category were selected by a panel of experts from Johnson & Wales University who evaluated each submission based on several criteria.
Judges include:
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Panel Chair: Brian Warrener, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation
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Jennifer Broderick, Professor
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Sarah Malik, Associate Professor
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Deana Marzocchi, Associate Professor
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Dean Mistretta, Assistant Professor
Winners will be announced at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo on Wednesday, March 20 at 11:15 a.m.
2024 Industry Excellence Awards Finalists Include:
Bartender of the Year
Eddie Baty, New Waterloo, Austin, Texas
Dominique Jackson, Realm of 52 Remedies, San Diego
Jackson Walton, The Stove, Las Vegas
Chef of the Year
Iliana de la Vega, El Naranjo, Austin, Texas
Shaun Hergatt, Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, Las Vegas
Yoshi Okai, New Waterloo, Austin, Texas
Community Leadership Award
Ebony Austin, Nouveau Bar & Grill, Atlanta
Troy Guard, TAG Restaurant Group, Denver
Mark E. Miller, Kris Kringle/Harbor Crab, Patchogue, New York
Best Cocktail Program
DONNA, New York
The Barrel Room, San Francisco
WATERTRADE, Austin, Texas
Best Hospitality Training Program
OTOKO, Austin, Texas
Your 3rd Spot, Atlanta, Georgia
Bar of the Year
Happy Accidents, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Last Rites, San Francisco
Your 3rd Spot, Atlanta
Restaurant of the Year
OTOKO, Austin, Texas
The Barrel Room, San Francisco
The Wine Kitchen, Leesburg, Virginia
“Once again, the industry has wowed us with the quality of nominations for exceptional venues and individuals. said Tim McLucas, Vice President of Bar & Restaurant Group. “We look forward to naming the winners at this year’s expo.”
Each finalist will be awarded two Expo + Party Passes to the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, as well as recognition on the Bar & Restaurant Expo website, social media, and newsletter before and during the expo. In addition, the winners in each category will receive a beautiful custom award, one VIP ticket to the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo, and additional media recognition on the website, social media, newsletters and more.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
Veronica Gonnello (for companies A to G) e: [email protected] p: 212-895-8244
Tim Schultz (for companies H to Q) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-8589
Fadi Alsayegh (for companies R to Z) e: [email protected] p: 917-258-5174
Also, be sure to follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.