The Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted its annual reception and awards gala on November 28, 2017, at the Foxwoods Resort Casino Grand Pequot Ballroom. The celebration recognized dozens among its state members of restaurants, bars, allied services and bartenders and chefs throughout the state, with approximately 600 in attendance.
Connecticut Distributors, Inc. Mixologist of the Year nominees prepared cocktails for attendees to vote on during a showcase of service vendors. Wholesaler sponsors also included Brescome Barton, Allan S. Goodman, Eder Brothers and Hartley & Parker. The awards dinner followed, where Larry Cafero, Executive Director of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, served as event emcee, alongside Sarah Maloney, CRA’s Executive Director. CRA’s annual meeting also recognized the 2018 Board of Directors.
Among 2017 category highlights: Restaurateur of the Year went to Al Gamble and Shawn Skehan of Locals 8 Restaurant Group; Datapay Payroll was named Vendor of the Year; State Senator Craig Miner was named CRA’s Friend of the Industry; Mixologist of the Year Award went to Justin Morales of The Blind Pig in Hartford; Eli Cannon’s Tap Room and Restaurant Bricco were both inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame; and the CRA Industry Appreciation was given to Powers, Brennan & Griffin, LLC. The event also raised funds for CRA’s support of the state’s ProStart education program, a culinary and management program for high school students.
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- The Connecticut Restaurant Association Annual Salute to Excellence was held at Foxwoods Resort Casino on November 29, 2017.
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- CRA’s 2018 Board of Directors and Staff. Back Row: State Representative David Rutigliano, SBC Restaurant Group; Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz, ProStart Coordinator; Scott Miller, DORO Restaurant Group; Don Stevens, Cohn Reznick; Tyler Anderson, Millwrights/The Cook and the Bear; Kevin Cottle, Dining Experience, LLC; Tim Scott, Geronimo/Shell & Bones; Jonathan Jennings, CT Wedding Group/Pavilion Catering; Tim Adams, J. Timothy’s Taverne; Michael Marchetti, Marchetti Management. Front Row: Helmar Wolf, Mill Restaurant Group; Billy Grant, Grant & Bricco Restaurants; Anthony Sullo, Joey Garlic’s; Sarah Maloney, Executive Director, CRA; Dan Meiser, Oyster Club/Engine Room/Grass & Bone; Suzanne Cannon, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room; Cary Gagnon, Dunkin’ Donuts, Cary Gagnon Network.
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- Event Emcee Larry Cafero, Executive Director, Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut.
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- Vendor of the Year: Datapay Payroll. Shelby Dorsey, Barb Pinkerton, Jim O’Sullivan, April Stevens, Ellen Mahan, Polly Christopher, Kathy Orie and Dave Kaletski.
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- Friend of the Industry was presented by State Representative Dave Rutigliano of SBC Restaurant Group to State Senator Craig Miner.
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- CRA Industry Appreciation recipients: Powers, Brennan & Griffin. Charles Kowaleski, Mark Powers, Kevin Hill, Mark Brennan, Nicole Griffin.
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- Server of the Year: Erica Richardson center (left) with the team of J. Timothy’s Taverne.
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- Caterer of the Year: Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ. Matt Pease; Angela Hornyak, Director of Catering & Sales; and Tyler Burrill.
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- Restaurateur of the Year: Locals 8 Restaurant Group. Al Gamble and Shawn Skehan.
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- Casual Restaurant of the Year: The Engine Room of Mystic.
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- Upscale Restaurant of the Year: Millwright’s. Aj Aurrichio, Kristin Eddy, Niles Talbot and Chef/Owner Tyler Anderson. Kristin Eddy, Pastry Chef, later won the Rising Star award.
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- Restaurant Newcomer of the Year: Present Company. Co-owners Jeff Lizotte and Tom Gale with Danielle Casey, Director of Corporate Sales & Catering.
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- Mixologist of the Year Justin Morales of The Blind Pig, with Shelby Thomas, Bar Operations Manager, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ.
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- Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees Eli Cannon’s Tap Room: Corrine Oullette, Suzanne Cannon and Eli Oullette.
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- Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees, Bricco Trattoria: Corey Cannon; Nick Mancini, La Tavolo; Billy Grant, Founder; and Jon Gyles.
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- John Parke, President, CDI; Bill Steindl, Director of Operations, CDI; and Sarah Maloney, Executive Director, CRA.
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- Craig Ventrice, Beverage Director, Kawa Ni/The Whelk/Jessup Hall and Mixologist of the Year nominee.
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- Allan S. Goodman’s Bill Monohan, Wine Manager; Eric Gray, Merchandising Manager; and Jeff Conelius, Craft Spirits Specialist.
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- Jennifer Straub, iHeart Media; Renee DiNino, iHeart Media; Sarah Maloney, Executive Director, CRA; and Dana Slone, Editor & Associate Publisher, The Connecticut Beverage Journal.
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- All with Allan S. Goodman: Karl Koenig, District Sales Manager; Ed Palau, Sales Rep.; Kurt Graf, District Sales Manager.
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- Colton Drain, Sales, Hartley & Parker; Janna Waite, Key Account Manager, Wine Educator, Eder Bros., Inc.; and Doug Preston, District Manager, Hartley & Parker.
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- Peter Grimaldi, New Business Recruiter and Sol Ramsey, Director of Recruitment and Retailer Relations, Connecticut Lottery Corporation.
Photos by Brian Ambrose Photography. brianambrosephoto.com.
