Restaurant Association of Maryland announces winners of the 64th Annual Stars of the Restaurant Industry Awards.

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Winners Announced!-Over 500 Members of the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Attended the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Annual Awards Gala for the first time ever in Ocean City.

The Restaurant Association of Maryland is excited to announce the winners of the 64th Annual Stars of the Restaurant Industry Awards. The Gala celebration and awards presentation took place Sunday, May 6th at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. Over thirty thousand people voted for their favorite Maryland restaurants and industry professionals.

“For the first time ever, the Restaurant Association of Maryland hosted our annual industry awards Gala in Ocean City. Over the years dozens of Eastern Shore restaurants have won our statewide awards, so it made perfect sense to bring the celebration to them. The industry responded with a great party with over 500 people from all over the state in attendance” said Marshall Weston, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.

2018 Award Winners and Honorees

RAM Cornerstone of the Industry Award
Awarded to the companies that best illustrate how restaurants are the cornerstone of the economy and their community. These successful businesses support local communities by creating jobs and financially supporting non-profit groups, schools, scouts and youth sports teams.

Blackwall Hitch - Annapolis
Cafe Mezzanotte - Severna Park
Glory Days Grill - Statewide
Tino's Italian Bistro - Columbia

Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor 2018 Inductees
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor was created to recognize those restaurants in Maryland that embody the spirit of the hospitality industry based on their longevity and overall contributions to their customers. Awardees have all been in business for at least 20 years.

Annie's Paramount Steak & Seafood House - Grasonville
Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel - Ocean City
DaVinci's by the Sea - Ocean City
The Harrison Group - Ocean City
Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill - Ocean City
Market Street Inn - Salisbury
Ocean Odyssey - Cambridge
Waterman's Seafood Co. - Ocean City

2018 Restaurateur of the Year, sponsored by the Maryland Restaurant & Hospitality Self Insurance Fund
A restaurant owner who shows originality, offers quality customer service, demonstrates success in the eyes of his/her fellow operators, and demonstrates leadership on behalf of the foodservice industry.

Bob Giaimo - Silver Diner

2018 Allied Member of the Year
An industry supplier company that goes above and beyond to serve the foodservice industry, demonstrates leadership, and is recognized for outstanding service and quality products.

Acme Paper & Supply Co., Inc. - represented by Andy Attman

2018 Chef of the Year, sponsored by Micros Mid-Atlantic
An executive chef who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence, serves as an inspiration to other foodservice professionals, displays dedication to the artistry of food and exhibits ongoing commitment to the community.

George Batlas – The Manor Tavern

2018 Craft Brew Program of the Year, sponsored by Evolution Craft Brewing Co.
An establishment that is recognized for its craft beer selection and features a menu and staff that are knowledgeable and passionate about the world of craft beers.

The Ale House - Columbia

2018 Favorite New Restaurant (Statewide):
A new establishment opened in Maryland in the past two years that exhibits a top-notch menu, impeccable service and amazing atmosphere.

The Elephant - Baltimore

2018 Favorite Restaurant:
A trendy spot or an old favorite that you return to time and time again.

Sunset Grille - Ocean City

2018 Favorite Bar or Tavern:
The ‘watering hole’ you frequent where the drinks are great and the bartenders are beyond compare.

Looney's Pub - Bel Air

2018 Heart of the Industry Award:
A staff member who goes above and beyond to keep the restaurant running smoothly and exemplifies dependability, teamwork and dedication to the restaurant industry.

Boris Bobrov (Server) - AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar

As a special recognition to Ocean City, we’ve added three Ocean City only award categories this year.
2018 Favorite Boardwalk Treat:
People from all over Maryland and up and down the east coast love the Ocean City Boardwalk. This is the favorite treat that everyone can’t live without.

Thrasher's French Fries

2018 Ocean City's Favorite Crab House:
A favorite place to dive into a pile of spicy, steamed crabs- whether it's by the dozen or all-you-can-eat.

The Crab Bag

2018 Ocean City's Favorite New Restaurant:
This award recognizes a hot new restaurant that has opened in Ocean City over the past two years, standing out for their amazing menu, quality of service and memorable atmosphere.

Rare & Rye

The Brice & Shirley Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award:
This award is given to the person who exemplifies sound business principles and impeccable character while dedicating their career to the betterment of the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Susan Jones – Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association

Eddie Dopkin First Course Award, Honoring Entrepreneurship in Hospitality, presented by Miss Shirley’s Café and The Classic Catering People:
The Dopkin family created this $5,000 scholarship to celebrate the life and memory of Eddie Dopkin, founder and visionary behind the award-winning Miss Shirley’s Café and a partner with The Classic Catering People.

Danielle Johnson, Stratford University

2018 ProStart Student of the Year:
This award is given to the high school student who dedicates themselves to pursuing a career in the foodservice industry. Not only do they have excellent grades, but also take the time for extra-curricular activities all while being a leader in their classroom.

Tyjuan Chapple - Silver Oak Academy

2018 ProStart Teacher of the Year:
This award is given to the High School culinary arts or restaurant management teacher that empowers and inspires their students to pursue a career in the hospitality industry while also holding their students to a high standard.

Domenic Mallardi - Charles Herbert Flowers High School

Patti Neumann is Founder of CITYPEEK.com & an award-winning 21 C website & blog. She is one of the region's top Social Media Publicists and Influencers on food, sips, hospitality & the good life. CITYPEEK.com has its finger on the pulse of what's hot in the world of food, cocktails & travel trends.

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