an unforgettable evening
celebrating Ohio's
best & brightest

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION.

get your tickets now!
elevate your brand with sponsorship

Monday, December 4, 2023 

Villa Milano

1630 Schrock Rd., Columbus, OH 43229

The 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 throughout the year. 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. 

Event Timeline: 

5 p.m.      Guest Arrival and Cocktail Hour 

6 p.m.      Dinner 

7 p.m.      Awards 

8:30 p.m. End of Awards Ceremony 

9 p.m.      Guest Departure 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Visit the Villa Milano website for venue information.

nearby hotel accommodations

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris

409 Altair Parkway

Westerville, OH 43082

Room Rate $190-$210

Explore Rooms

Hilton

Columbus/Polaris

8700 Lyra Drive

Columbus, OH 43240

Room Rate: $160-$180

EXPLORE ROOMS

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus/Polaris

8805 Orion Place

Columbus, OH 4324

 Room Rate $120-$140

EXPLORE ROOMS

Hyatt Place

Columbus/Polaris

2006 Polaris Parkway Columbus, OH 4324

 Room Rate: $110-$130

EXPLORE ROOMS

AWARD CATERGORIES

Get your tickets now!

Restaurants recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the restaurant industry – a leader that implements innovative ideas, demonstrates passion for the industry and their community. One winner selected from the following regions: Northern Ohio, Central Ohio and Southern Ohio.

The ORA’s highest award given to one restaurateur for exceptional lifetime service to the restaurant industry and their community. Nominees must have been an ORA member for 10+ years and active in the industry for at least 15 years.

Recognizing an individual or organization for their outstanding contributions through community service or charitable involvement.

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

This award recognizes the restaurant employees that you come back to see repeatedly. Servers, bartenders, hosts, food runners and anyone who directly interacts with guests is eligible for this award. Nominees must be in a non-managerial position at an Ohio Restaurant Association member restaurant.

This award is presented to an individual or company applying a new product or creative approach or has used technology to enhance business grow and/or transformation of their business.

This award recognizes the restaurant employees that do all the work you don’t see. Sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers and anyone who works in the kitchen are eligible for this award. Nominees must be in a non-managerial position at an Ohio Restaurant Association member restaurant.

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

This award honors an educator who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the advancement of Ohio’s foodservice industry.

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

This award honors public officials who fight for the best interest of small business owners and the restaurant community.

an individual member or company embodying the core mission of the Association to promote, protect, partner and serve and works to better the industry. Any restaurant or vendor member or employee thereof the ORA is eligible to receive this award.

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 industry in Ohio for at least 25 years and is a member of the Ohio Restaurant Association.
visit the ORA Hall of Fame

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors

Questions about the event?

Shoshanna Gross

P: 917.628.3198

E: sgross@ohiorestaurant.org