Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is searching for industry champions to be honored at the annual Dinner with Champions. These awards will recognize outstanding members of the food service industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of the industry in Michigan. Awards presentation takes place during the Dinner with Champions on April 20, 2020.
Application Rules
Award Categories
Front of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.
Heart of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.
Restaurant Manager of the Year – This award will recognize a management employee that is top-of-class in all areas. Nominate a manager that has exemplary operational performance, terrific customer service, a person that goes beyond typical job duties.
Please click on the link below to submit a nomination form online.
If you have any questions, call 800-968-9668 and speak with Amanda Smith.
Application Rules
- All honorees must be employed by restaurants that are members of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
- Businesses may only submit one entry per category (a total of three entries per company)
- Honorees should have served our industry for at least two years
- The Awards Nomination Form should be completed and submitted with a letter of recommendation (500 words maximum) and support materials.
- Support materials may include: photos, letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings, testimonials, etc.
- Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2020
Award Categories
Front of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.
Heart of the House Restaurant Employee – This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.
Restaurant Manager of the Year – This award will recognize a management employee that is top-of-class in all areas. Nominate a manager that has exemplary operational performance, terrific customer service, a person that goes beyond typical job duties.
Please click on the link below to submit a nomination form online.
If you have any questions, call 800-968-9668 and speak with Amanda Smith.
Past Winners
Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year
2018 Kyli Hengesbaugh, JK&T Buffalo Wild Wings
2017 Cynthia Lemmink, Beltline Bar
2016 Dana Moorman, Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill (Ypsilanti)
2015 JJ Caldwell, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Northville)
2014 Chris Webb, Lily’s Seafood Grill and Brewery (Royal Oak)
2018 Kyli Hengesbaugh, JK&T Buffalo Wild Wings
2017 Cynthia Lemmink, Beltline Bar
2016 Dana Moorman, Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill (Ypsilanti)
2015 JJ Caldwell, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Northville)
2014 Chris Webb, Lily’s Seafood Grill and Brewery (Royal Oak)
Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year
2018 LouAnn Demyre, Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro
2017 Samantha Rafo, Johnny Noodle King
2016 Derek Bitterman, Three Brothers Pizza (Lowell)
2015 Elliot Webb, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Bloomfield Hills)
Joe Marsalese, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille (Caledonia)
2014 Jake Kibler, HopCat (Grand Rapids)
2018 LouAnn Demyre, Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro
2017 Samantha Rafo, Johnny Noodle King
2016 Derek Bitterman, Three Brothers Pizza (Lowell)
2015 Elliot Webb, Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (Bloomfield Hills)
Joe Marsalese, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille (Caledonia)
2014 Jake Kibler, HopCat (Grand Rapids)
Restaurant Manager of the Year
2018 Barb McCoy, Real Seafood Company
2017 Brenda Vanderlann, Snug Harbor
2016 Vera Day Rizer, Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve (Birmingham)
2015 Lea Schofield, Bill’s (Bloomfield Hills)
2014 Bobbie Jo Benko, Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls)
2018 Barb McCoy, Real Seafood Company
2017 Brenda Vanderlann, Snug Harbor
2016 Vera Day Rizer, Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve (Birmingham)
2015 Lea Schofield, Bill’s (Bloomfield Hills)
2014 Bobbie Jo Benko, Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls)
