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.

~ Jordan Naftal ~  

Born in New York, started in the restaurant business by washing dishes at age 11 and working his way up through the ranks to a position of multi-unit director of operations prior to opening and operating his own restaurant. Jordan attended Florida International University, majoring in Hospitality
and graduating in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree.

Opening his own restaurant has been a dream of Jordan’s for a very long time. Finally realizing his dream a little over five years ago by opening Jordan’s Steakhouse in Historic Ellicott City with his wife Ivette where they have teamed up to make Jordan’s what it is today.

Currently, Jordan sits on several boards including, Howard County Tourism Council, Howard Community College’s Hospitality Advisory Board, the Restaurant Association of Maryland and its Howard County Chapter, and is the current chair of the Maryland Hospitality Education Foundation.

Jordan, Ivette and their staff of 47 believe in giving back to their community as demonstrated by
supporting many local charity events.

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