RAM Annual Awards Gala 2025
Gala 2025 will take place on Sunday, March 2, from 6:30 - 10:30 PM at the Ocean City Convention Center.
Join the party as we celebrate the restaurant and foodservice industry like never before! Over 600 restaurant employees, chefs, owners, and industry supporters will be there enjoying over a dozen food stations, open bar, live music, industry awards, and more.
Suggested Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
A photo recap of Gala 2024 has been uploaded via photographer Maximilian Franz's SmugMug. Use password 'CoriG' to access the photos.
2025 Award Nominations
Public nominations for the 2025 RAM Awards are open from September 1 through October 31, 2024, for the following four categories: Chef of the Year, Manager of the Year, Server of the Year, and Bartender of the Year. Anyone can be nominated, regardless of their RAM affiliation. Double votes will not count. After October 31, a panel will review nominations and select five finalists from each category for public voting. The finalist with the most votes will win their respective category and be presented with their award at the Gala. Good luck to everyone!
Hotel Room Block
The hotel room block is not open yet. Details will be posted soon.
2024 RAM Awards
Each year, the Restaurant Association of Maryland presents annual awards for the following FOH and BOH positions: Chef of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Server of the Year, and Bartender of the Year. These awards are for those who relentlessly prove their skills and dedication to the industry while demonstrating top-notch leadership qualities. After public nominations, RAM selects five (5) finalists from each category for a public vote. You select the winners.
Update: Public voting ran from February 1st through February 29th and is now closed. Thank you to the 10K+ people who supported, voted, and shared links for the finalists. Our Gala committee is tallying votes, and the winners will be announced at the Gala.
2024 Chef of the Year Finalists
Gregory Webb
Laperaux Bistro
Germantown
*WINNER*
Tobias Dorzon
Huncho House
​Hyattsville
Althea Hanson
Althea's Almost Famous
Columbia
Chris Amendola
foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery
Baltimore City
Amanda Brennan
The Oregon Grille
Hunt Valley
2024 Manager of the Year Finalists
Melissa Graham
Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
Columbia
Nikki Godman
Harrison's Harbor Watch
Ocean City
*WINNER*
Jordan Kolodziejski
The Choptank
Baltimore City
Angela Heckman
The Wellwood Restaurant
Charlestown
Drew Gardner
Quincy's Bar & Grille
Gaithersburg
2024 Server of the Year Finalists
Monica Jenkins
RockSalt Grille
Westminster
Lauren Cockerham
Brewer's Alley
Frederick
Terri Weber
Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar
Parkville
*WINNER*
Federico Orrego
Mon Ami Gabi
Bethesda
Prudence Ragland
Sean Bolan's Irish Pub
Bel Air
2024 Bartender of the Year Finalists
Presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company
Gabrielle Rest
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Pikesville
Jamaal Green
Añejo Rose
Hanover
*WINNER*
Mya Gour
Das Bierhalle
Bel Air
Meagan Wood
Rathskeller
Elkridge
Kevin Taylor
Brick Wood Fired Bistro
Prince Frederick
2024 RAM Restaurateur of the Year
Sponsored by the Maryland Restaurant & Hospitality Self Insurance Fund
Geoff Trout - IHOP, Multiple Locations
2024 Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Phillips Foods & Phillips Seafood Restaurants
Bob Garner - Glory Days Grill, Multiple Locations
2024 Heart of the Industry Award
Clifton Killings - Clyde's
Victor Villatoro - Clyde's
Elena James - Silver Diner
Tanya White - Silver Diner
Vee Sovann - The Fish Market
Pablina Kamara - Jasper's
Adoree Betancourt - The Original Pancake House
The above listed individuals expressed immense passion and dedication for our industry by speaking their truths at many of our rallies and hearings. Their efforts directly impacted our ability to fight for the tip credit across Maryland. Thank you.
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