2026 Annual RAM Gala Awards

Sunday, April 19th, 2026 | 6:00PM - 10:00PM | Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover, MD

Join the party as we celebrate the restaurant and foodservice industry like never before! More than 600 restaurant employees, chefs, owners, and industry supporters will enjoy a variety of food stations, an open bar, live music, industry awards, and more.
Suggested Dress Code: Cocktail Attire

Gala at the MD Live! with hundres of spectators in the audience

People pose for a group photo

A live band singing and dancing on stage

A photo recap has been added! To view photos from the RAM Awards Gala on Sunday, April 19, 2026, CLICK HERE.

The password is 'RAMphotos'.

Tickets and Sponsorship

While Gala is RAM's largest and most exciting annual event, space is limited, and tickets will sell out! All sponsorships include a branded table reserved specifically for your guests. We also have individual tickets available, along with other opportunities for logo placement and recognition. Got a product you'd like to feature? Be sure to check out our Product Sponsor option as well!

We look forward to seeing you all there!

PLEASE NOTE: Our system will ask you for all names associated with your table. Please enter TBD for any guests who are not confirmed yet.

Please email Cori at cgrafer@marylandrestaurants.com with any questions and final attendee lists.

Hotel Room Block

RAM has partnered with Maryland LIVE! to provide a room block for our upcoming event. Click here to see the options. The block will close on April 10, 2026.

2026 Award Finalists Now Closed

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.

**Thanks to the thousands of individuals who voted! Voting is now closed, and we are tallying the votes to determine the respective winners.**