Press Release
RESTAURANT INDUSTRY CHAMPION AWARDS PRESENTED TO INDIVIDUALS DEVOTED TO MICHIGAN’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Winners awarded from Bay City, Grand Rapids and Byron Center
Winners awarded from Bay City, Grand Rapids and Byron Center
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) awarded dedicated industry professionals from Bay City, Grand Rapids and Byron Center with the annual Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards in Grand Rapids on April 22 at the Dinner with the Champions event.
The Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards recognize outstanding employees of the hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of Michigan’s restaurant industry. Awards are presented in categories of Front of the House, Heart of the House and Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The winner of the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Erik Rakus from The Curve Bar & Grill in Bay City. Rakus began his career at The Curve Bar & Grill three years ago and is described as the true definition of a dedicated employee. He cares for the bar, supplies, facilities, and customers as if they are his own and understands that when the bar does well, everyone can reap the rewards. Rakus’ customer service and expertise in beverage service delivers the valuable partner adds that bar owners need.
The Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Chef Josef Huber from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. For more than 20 years, Chef Huber has provided leadership to the Culinary team at the Amway Hospitality Corporation and inspires many through his dedication to art. He is one of 67 Certified Master Chefs in the world and is always looking to improve his craft by pushing himself to stay current industry trends.
The Restaurant Manager of the Year is Shanna Peterson from Restaurant Partners Management in Grand Rapids. Peterson is currently a district manager for Restaurant Partners Management and has worked her way through many titles within the company in her over 20 years of service. She works at a pace with a constant desire to improve herself and her fellow team members, which makes her the perfect fit for the awarded title.
“It is our distinct honor every year to recognize the individuals and businesses that dedicate their careers to the betterment of the hospitality industry in Michigan,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Erik, Chef Josef and Shanna are the true definition of industry champions and are an integral part of our state’s growing industry.”
The following Michigan restaurants were also recognized as state winners for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Award for their dedication to their communities:
The Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards recognize outstanding employees of the hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of Michigan’s restaurant industry. Awards are presented in categories of Front of the House, Heart of the House and Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The winner of the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Erik Rakus from The Curve Bar & Grill in Bay City. Rakus began his career at The Curve Bar & Grill three years ago and is described as the true definition of a dedicated employee. He cares for the bar, supplies, facilities, and customers as if they are his own and understands that when the bar does well, everyone can reap the rewards. Rakus’ customer service and expertise in beverage service delivers the valuable partner adds that bar owners need.
The Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Chef Josef Huber from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. For more than 20 years, Chef Huber has provided leadership to the Culinary team at the Amway Hospitality Corporation and inspires many through his dedication to art. He is one of 67 Certified Master Chefs in the world and is always looking to improve his craft by pushing himself to stay current industry trends.
The Restaurant Manager of the Year is Shanna Peterson from Restaurant Partners Management in Grand Rapids. Peterson is currently a district manager for Restaurant Partners Management and has worked her way through many titles within the company in her over 20 years of service. She works at a pace with a constant desire to improve herself and her fellow team members, which makes her the perfect fit for the awarded title.
“It is our distinct honor every year to recognize the individuals and businesses that dedicate their careers to the betterment of the hospitality industry in Michigan,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Erik, Chef Josef and Shanna are the true definition of industry champions and are an integral part of our state’s growing industry.”
The following Michigan restaurants were also recognized as state winners for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Neighbor Award for their dedication to their communities:
- Buddy’s Pizza – Farmington Hills
- Cedar Springs Brewing Company – Cedar Springs
- Mainstreet Ventures Inc. – Ann Arbor
- Max & Emily’s – Mount Pleasant
- Zukey Lake Tavern - Pinckney
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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