This annual award acknowledges successful restaurant owner(s) who show originality, quality, and superior service in all aspects of their business. The Restaurateur of the Year is recognized by his/her peers, employees and the community for their contributions to the Hospitality Industry and who, by their actions, brings honor to the profession.

~ Phil Bowers ~  

Phil Bowers left his job as Systems Engineer at Westinghouse in 1996 to pursue his dream of opening a Brewpub. Starting as the Brewmaster and hiring folks to run the restaurant, Phil quickly realized he needed to learn the restaurant business fast to keep the dream alive.

Ten years later, he oversees Fountain Rock Management Corp. that operates four unique restaurants in Frederick. Three of the restaurants are located within one block of each other and offer complementary cuisine.

Brewer’s Alley is the Brewpub opened in 1996 and has been the driving force of Downtown Frederick. Isabella’s opened in 1999 and has a Spanish flair with its amazing Tapas menu. Directly across the street from Brewer’s they opened Acacia Fusion Bistro in 2002 and in November of 2005 opened G. Hunter’s Restaurant and Raw Bar on Rt. 40 on the West end of town.

 

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