The top executive at Atlanta-based Arby's and the director of Gwinnett schools have taken top honors in their categories during the yearly awards presentation from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.
Paul Brown, chief executive of the company – which has 3,415 restaurants, including stores in seven countries and 48 states – has won the 64th annual 'Silver Plate' award for commanding the best chain restaurant which does not provide full service.
Gwinnett Public Schools Director Ken Yant won in the category of elementary and secondary schools.
“The IFMA Gold and Silver Plate awards honor individual achievement across the foodservice industry,” said IFMA CEO Larry Oberkfell in a statement. “Every year for 64 years now, the winners demonstrate excellence that make us all proud to be a part of this industry."
Last year, the Silver Plate winner in the limited service category was the CEO of Newk’s.
In 2012, the winner was Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, an Atlanta-based chain, which – as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported – is apparently, if stealthily, shifting its base of operations to Miami.
The annual award is intended “to honor the nation’s top foodservice operator talent,” according to the IFMA.
Silver Plate winners are nominated by IFMA members, then selected by a jury that includes members of the trade press, foodservice experts and past award winners.
The other categories and winners this year include:
Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept: Craig Huse, St. Elmo's Steakhouse.
Full service chain: Gene Lee, Darden Restaurants
Health Care: James McGrody, University of North Carolina Rex Healthcare
Elementary and Secondary Schools: Ken Yant, Director, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Colleges and Universities: C. Dennis Pierce, University of Connecticut
Business and Industry, Foodservice Management: Michiel Bakker, Google
Retail and Specialty: Voni Woods, Giant Eagle
Hotels and Lodging: Susan Terry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts
