RAM Gala Award Winners

The Restaurant Association of Maryland is excited to announce the winners of the 65th Annual Stars of the Restaurant Industry Awards. The Gala celebration and awards presentation took place Sunday, May 5th at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. Over thirty thousand people voted for their favorite Maryland restaurants and industry professionals.

“The Gala is our opportunity to honor and give recognition to elite restaurants across the state. We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of restaurants to choose from who are dedicated to their customers, their community and their employees,” said Marshall Weston, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
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2019 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.

Carrol's Creek Cafe - Annapolis
Glory Days Grill - Statewide
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille - Statewide
Miss Shirley's Cafe - Baltimore & Annapolis
Salerno's Restaurant & Catering - Eldersburg
Tino's Italian Bistro - Columbia

Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor 2019 Inductees
Celebrating its 19th 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.

The Crackpot Seafood Restaurant - Towson
Jasper’s Restaurant - Largo
Johanssons Dining House - Westminster
Mountain Gate Family Restaurant - Thurmont
The Olde Philadelphia Inn - Rosedale
Old Stein Inn - Edgewater
Tastee Diner - Bethesda

2019 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.

Steve Wecker - Cured | 18th & 21st / The Iron Bridge Wine Company / Mutiny Pirate Bar & Island Grille

2019 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.

Restaurant Reputations - represented by Todd Collins

2019 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.

Ashish Alfred - Duck Duck Goose

2019 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 Judge's Bench - Ellicott City

2019 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 Charles - La Plata

2019 Favorite Restaurant:
A trendy spot or an old favorite that you return to time and time again.

Clyde's - Columbia, Chevy Chase & Rockville

2019 Favorite Bar or Tavern:
The ‘watering hole’ you frequent where the drinks are great and the bartenders are beyond compare.

Phoenix Emporium - Ellicott City

2019 Heart of the Industry Award:, sponsored by Coastal Sunbelt Produce:
A staff member who goes above and beyond to keep the restaurant running smoothly and exemplifies dependability, teamwork and dedication to the restaurant industry.

Kristen Walter - Manager - The Point Crab House & Grill

For the first time ever, two new awards categories were introduced:
2019 Favorite Fast Casual Restaurant
A favorite place that you love to stop to get a quick bite that blend quick service and traditional sit down restaurants.

Moby Dick House of Kabob - Baltimore, Pikesville & Montgomery County

2019 Favorite International Cuisine Restaurant
A favorite restaurant that celebrates the world’s diverse culinary traditions- featuring international ingredients showcasing global flavor profiles.

Honey Pig Korean BBQ - Ellicott City & Rockville

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.

Bill King - Crab Shanty & Sea King

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.

David Vaughn Jr., Stratford University

2019 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.

Jackelyn Alfaro- Sherwood High School

2019 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.

Andre Williams - Bladensburg High School

2019 Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Recipient:
Eddison Alexander Hermond was born on August 15, 1978 in Brooklyn, NY. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 10 years. In 2009, he joined the Army National Guard and ultimately settled in Howard County, Maryland. While serving his country as a member of the National Guard, Eddison also worked at Victoria Restaurant Group. He was one of their first employees when they opened Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia in 2007 and worked his way up to management, helping them open Manor Hill Tavern in Old Ellicott City in 2017. He died tragically and heroically during the Ellicott City flood on May 27, 2018.

In hopes to continue his legacy of service and love for the hospitality industry, his friends and family have established the Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship, to enable others to further their education and their service to others. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the hospitality industry who embodies the same values that Eddison lived by.

The scholarship's first recipient is:

Grace Schuler - Our Lady of Good Counsel High School ​