click here to go to the online nomination form

An unforgettable evening celebrating Ohio's best & brightest.

Nominations are open!

Read the Award Categories and Criteria below.

The annual Industry Awards Celebration is an opportunity for the Ohio Restaurant Association to focus on the hard work, commitment and outstanding professional & community services of our members. The evening is dedicated to recognizing the importance of the extraordinary contributions and innovative ideas our industry brings through technology, charitable contributions, transformative products and dedication to education.

Mark your calendars!

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Individual and group ticket sales begin July 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available now!

Please contact Melissa DeGraw at mdegraw@ohiorestaurant.org to learn more.

click here for all sponsorship opportunities

Watch the ORA's 2021 Virtual Industry Awards Celebration.

Award Categories

Best Restaurant Award (North)

Best Restaurant Award (Central)

Best Restaurant Award (South)

Best Community Partner

Best Guest Experience Provider

Best "Behind the Scenes" Employee

The Lifetime Achievement Award: The ORA’s highest award given to one restaurateur for exceptional lifetime service to the restaurant industry and his/her community. Nominees must have been an ORA member for 10+ years, and active in the industry for at least 15 years.

The ORA Ambassador Award: an individual member or company who embodies the core mission of the Association to promote, protect, and serve, and who works to better the industry as a whole. Any restaurant or vendor member of the ORA is eligible to receive this award.

Outstanding Vendor Award: A company recognized for its exceptional service to the restaurant community.

Outstanding Public Official Award: This award honors public officials who fight for the best interest of small business owners and the restaurant community.

Outstanding Industry Educator: This award honors an educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of the Ohio foodservice industry.

Ohio ProStart Student of the Year: Outstanding ProStart student that embodies ProStart Core Values of leadership, passion, and community and shows great promise and aptitude for a future career in the foodservice industry.

Industry Innovator: This award is presented to an individual or company that has applied a new product or creative approach or has used technology to enhance their business to grow or transform their business.

Spotless Award: In partnership with local health departments, this award honors a restaurant or company with an outstanding cleanliness and food safety record.

Rising Star: Honors an emerging leader in the foodservice industry – one whose work demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth and high potential for future impact.

The Ohio Restaurant Association Hall of Fame (up to 3 inductees): Given to an individual or entity that has operated in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality business in Ohio for at least 25 years and is a member of the ORA.