RAM Annual Awards Gala 2024

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

2024 Ticket sales are now closed. Thank you for the support!

Gala Auction Donations

As part of this year's festivities, we are hosting auctions where guests can bid on items that are donated by our members. Donations will be in kind and combined into large packages; they can range from gift cards to alcohol to unique experiences that people will want to bid on. Please fill out the form to let us know what you can donate.

The auctions will be hosted on Givebutter's website and bidding will open several days before the Gala begins. We will update the site and let members know as the auction goes live. 

Hotel Room Block

The hotel room block has officially closed, but normal-priced reservations are still available at the casino's hotel. 

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

2024 Manager of the Year Finalists

2024 Server of the Year Finalists

2024 Bartender of the Year Finalists

Presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company

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.

Food Stations Provided By:

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Industry Supporters:

Entertainment Provided By: