2021 CRAzies Gala Program

Congratulations to all of tonight’s 2021

honorees & Nominees

BRAVEHEART ALLEGIANCE PEAK FRESH BAY WINDS ROMA & BACIO

TABLE OF CONTENTS About the CRA......................................................................................................................3 CRA Chairman’s Message.................................................................................................5 Welcome from President & CEO......................................................................................7 CRA Board of Directors......................................................................................................9 Sponsors..............................................................................................................................11 Sponsors.............................................................................................................................13 Program & Menu...............................................................................................................15 Vendor of the Year - FordHarrison...................................................................................17 Vendor of the Year - ClarkHirth........................................................................................19 Friend of the Industry - CT DECD Commissioner David Lehman............................21 Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame - Louis’ Lunch...............................................23 Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame - Match Restaurant.....................................25 Restaurateur of the Year - Bill Taibe.............................................................................27 Finalists - Bartender, Server, Pastry Chef/Baker, Caterer & People’s Choice....29 Finalists - Newcomer, Chef and Restaurant of the Year...........................................31 CT Hospitality Educational Foundation.......................................................................33

2021 CRAZIES AWARDS GALA

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CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

The Connecticut Restaurant Association is a champion serving every restaurant and hospitality business in Connecticut. We unite our industry so that it can speak together with one clear voice. We provide our members with timely information, cost-effective benefits, and a dynamic networking platform.

Our industry employs more than 160,000 workers in Connecticut and generates nearly $9 billion in annual sales. The CRA works in partnership with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) to protect, advance, and educate our growing industry.

Your voice as a member is an important part of the success of our community.

By investing in membership, you will have a platform to share your political priorities, gain access to business-building tools and develop meaningful relationships with your peers.

Join the Connecticut Restaurant Association Today!

CRA STAFF PRESIDENT & CEO Scott Dolch dolch@ctrestaurant.org

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT Emily Garfinkel garfinkel@ctrestaurant.org

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Yvette M. Tavares tavares@ctrestaurant.org

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Allison Bogati bogati@ctrestaurant.org

FOUNDATION & EDUCATION MANAGER Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz conkling@ctrestaurant.org

LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT Megan Andrews andrews@ctrestaurant.org

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CRA CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Welcome to the 2021 CRAzies Awards Gala. As Chairman for the Connecticut Restaurant Association Board of Directors, I am happy to welcome you, and to thank all of our sponsors, members, and potential new members for supporting the CRA. After a tumultuous year, we are thrilled to welcome all of you back in person!

While I know this has been a difficult year for us all, I am proud to be a part of an organization that supports its members by engaging with stakeholders, impacting legislation, and building lasting relationships at the state and local levels to ensure everyone achieves success. Tonight is about celebrating all of you.

As we continue to navigate the lasting effects of the pandemic, I know that our member restaurants, caterers and private event venues will continue to provide incredible service to your customers throughout Connecticut, as you always have. Similarly, I know our unparalleled staff and Board of Directors at the CRA will continue delivering the highest level of service and support to our industry.

I would like to extend my congratulations to all of our honorees, finalists, and winners. In addition, it is not just those who will be honored this evening, but everyone in our industry deserves the praise, the recognition, and the gratitude.

Dan Meiser Chairman, Connecticut Restaurant Association 85th Day Food Community Oyster Club | Engine Room | Stone Acres Farm

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DoorDash is proud to support the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

At DoorDash, we are deeply committed to building and protecting diverse, inclusive communities. Our CEO and co-founder, Tony Xu’s own family experience as an immigrant was a driving factor in his decision to found DoorDash and empower immigrant entrepreneurs.

Here are some of the ways we’re empowering local communities:

Main Street Strong Pledge

$200M $10M

over 5 years to support merchants, Dashers, and local communities

Project DASH

in COVID-19 relief grants to help more than 2,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

$2K

in grants awarded to the 100+ restaurant owner participants of our Main Street Strong Accelerator program

Launched in 2018, Project DASH uses the DoorDash logistics platform to tackle issues like hunger, mobility, and food waste.

15M+ deliveries

estimated meals delivered through Project DASH on behalf of nonprofit partners such as food banks and food pantries

To learn more about how DoorDash is working with communities across the country, visit www.doordashimpact.com

WELCOME TO THE 2021 CRAZIES On behalf of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, I would like to welcome everyone to the 2021 CRAzies Awards Gala. I am honored to share this time with you all, and I’m very excited to once again be doing it in person!

It’s no secret that this year and a half has been an extremely challenging time for the restaurant and hospitality industry. However, despite those hurdles, you all have persevered. While we know the coming year will continue to throw challenges our way, I’m confident that if we stand together, we will be stronger on the other side for having done so. I believe it because I know just how much we were able to accomplish over the past 21 months, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Together, we have provided more than $500,000 in local restaurants grants through the CT Restaurant Relief Fund, established a $165,000 CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund to provide stipends to hospitality employees throughout Connecticut, created a COVID-19 operating guidance for all restaurants, expanded outdoor dining options to allow all restaurants the opportunity to use unique outdoor spaces for additional dining options, passed legislation that allows restaurants to sell alcohol-to-go and increased consumer confidence in on-premises dining with a national TV and local #saveCTrestaurants campaign.

Throughout the pandemic, Connecticut Restaurant Association members came together as one voice to advocate for their businesses and livelihood.

In the years to come, we will need to continue to move forward as one, and to remind our elected officials that we are a central part of the economic recovery in Connecticut.

I would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and for making our 2021 CRAzies Awards Gala one that we will never forget. Congratulations to our honorees and good luck to all of our finalists!

Scott Dolch President & CEO Connecticut Restaurant Association CT Hospitality Educational Foundation

2021 CRAZIES AWARDS GALA

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Mill Restaurant Group

SIMSBURY

SOUTH WINDSOR

BLOOMFIELD

MANCHESTER

HARTFORD

8

WEST SPRINGFIELD

2019 CRAZIES AWARDS GALA

2021 CRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Dan Meiser 85th Day Food Community

VICE CHAIRMAN Jonathan Jennings CT Wedding Group

SECRETARY Phil Barnett Hartford Restaurant Group

TREASURER Keith Beaulieu The Main Pub

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Anthony Sullo Joey Garlic’s

LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN Tim Adams J. Timothy’s Taverne

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Steven Abrams Max Restaurant Group

Billy Grant Restaurant Bricco | Bricco Trattoria

A.J. Aurrichio Tanda Hospitality

Michael Marchetti Columbus Park Trattoria | Osteria Applausi | Tarantino Restaurant

Suzanne Cannon (Honorary) Formerly Eli Cannons Tap Room Kevin Cottle Powder Ridge | Brownstone Park | American Cruiselines

Scott Miller DORO Restaurant Group Ryan O’Donnell FordHarrison

William daSilva SBC Restaurant Group

Brian Phelps Toad’s Place

Christina FitzGerald Union League Cafe

Don Stevens CohnReznick

Kevin Fitzsimmons Dockside Brewery

Stephen Tagliatela Saybrook Point Inn | Fresh Salt

Olivia Formica Flanders Fish Market

Bill Taibe For the Food Restaurant Group

Cary Gagnon Dunkin’ Donuts

Helmar Wolf Mill Restaurant Group

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2021 SPONSORS TITLE SPONSOR

DINNER SPONSOR

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSOR

AFTER PARTY SPONSOR

GALA POWERED BY

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

AWARDS SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

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2021 SPONSORS ALLIED SPONSORS FordHarrison LLP US Foods

DIAMOND SPONSORS 85th Day Group Eder Bros.

Falvey Linen Supply

Hartford Distributors Mill Restaurant Group Molson Coors

Pernod Ricard Slocum & Sons

SUPPORTING SPONSORS Beverage Journal Gordon Food Service CohnReznick Hartford Restaurant Group CT Beer Wholesalers Association J. Timothy’s Taverne CT Liquor Law Marcum LLP CT Lottery Open Table Dockside Brewery Powers, Griffin & Hill, LLC Flanders Fish Market Sprague Energy FreshPoint State Choice Insurance Minuteman Press (Hartford, Glastonbury, Manchester & Vernon)

VENDOR SHOWCASE SPONSORS Chefs’ Warehouse CT Brewers Guild CT Visit

DataPay Payroll Fishers Island Lemonade FordHarrison

GoNation Slane Irish Whiskey US Foods

FOR CHEF-CURATED SEASONAL FEATURES view our menus and specials on our websites at davidburkeprime.com and caputotrattoria.com 860.312.8753 | 860.312.2788 at Foxwoods Resort Casino Grand Pequot Tower, Restaurant Level

2021 CRAZIES AWARDS GALA

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2021 CRAZIES PROGRAM FIRST COURSE WELCOME

Scott Dolch, CRA President & CEO MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Larry Cafero FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY

CT DECD Commissioner David Lehman VENDORS OF THE YEAR

ClarkHirth & FordHarrison CATERER OF THE YEAR

SECOND COURSE CT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME

Louis’ Lunch (New Haven) BARTENDER OF THE YEAR SERVER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR

North | South | East | West

THIRD COURSE CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (CHEF)

ProStart | CT Restaurant Relief Fund | CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund CT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME

Match Restaurant (South Norwalk) PASTRY CHEF/BAKER OF THE YEAR RESTAURANT NEWCOMER

FOURTH COURSE PEOPLE’S CHOICE RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR

Bill Taibe | For the Food Restaurant Group CHEF OF THE YEAR OVERALL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR CLOSING & AFTER PARTY

Shrine Nightclub

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TRAILBLAZERS SIP RESPONSIBLY. BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY, 40% ALC. BY VOL. IMPORTED BY BROWN-FORMAN BEVERAGES, LOUISVILLE, KY. SLANE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. ©2021 SLANE CASTLE IRISH WHISKEY LTD.

VENDOR OF THE YEAR presented by Brown-Forman

CLARKHIRTH Farmington

ClarkHirth is a boutique firm located in Farmington, Connecticut. Providing accounting, tax, and consulting services, the firm has become one of the largest accounting practices in the restaurant and hospitality space in New England.

Bill Clark and Jason Hirth formed the firm in order to focus their efforts on restaurants and have become one of the most highly sought-after accounting firms in the industry. Bill began to specialize in restaurants over 20 years ago.

Jason joined Bill in 2008 and the two have grown their practice to help hundreds of restaurateurs meet their business and personal goals. ClarkHirth now handles concepts from coast to coast, from fast casual to fine dining, and from corner pubs to international franchisors.

Hospitality is defined as taking care of your guests and anticipating their needs. Our guests are our clients. And our clients are not only clients, they’re our friends. When COVID broke out we knew one thing, that we had to help our friends, no matter what. Our team stepped up and helped everyone we could and we will continue to help and give back to the industry that we love so much.

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We use our best tools to make your establishment run smooth and efficiently.

FordHarrison’s Restaurant Industry Practice Group is comprised of attorneys in 28 offices, including two affiliate firms, with extensive knowledge and experience working with restaurant clients of all sizes, whether they are a nationwide multi-unit operator, a regional franchisee or a family-owned single establishment.

For more information, visit: www.fordharrison.com/restaurants.

Scan to view a sample chapter of our Labor and Employment Handbook for Connecticut Restaurants.

To retrieve full access, please reach out to Ryan O’Donnell.

CRA members eligible for member rate

We are honored to be named Connecticut Restaurant Association’s 2021 Vendor of the Year!

Ryan O’Donnell

P: (860) 740-1362 | rodonnell@fordharrison.com

VENDOR OF THE YEAR presented by Brown-Forman

FORDHARRISON LLP Hartford

Ryan O’Donnell, Partner at FordHarrison LLP Hartford, serves as labor and employment counsel to the Connecticut Restaurant Association and specializes in issues unique to the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan O’Donnell worked tirelessly to guide the restaurant industry. As a Connecticut native, Ryan is passionate about supporting and representing his community and makes himself available to clients any time they are seeking advice.

Founded in Atlanta in 1978, FordHarrison is a labor and employment law firm with a national practice in all aspects of labor and employment law. Nearly 200 labor and employment lawyers in 28 offices across the country including two affiliate firms provide employers with sound legal advice, practical counseling and excellent client service.

FordHarrison’s Restaurant Industry Practice Group is comprised of attorneys with extensive knowledge and experience working with restaurant clients of all sizes, whether they are a nationwide operator, a regional franchisee or a family-owned single establishment.

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FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY COMMISSIONER DAVID LEHMAN

CT Department of Economic and Community Development David Lehman serves as Connecticut’s Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the department that oversees an extensive amount of programs which promote business growth, brownfield redevelopment, the arts, historic preservation and tourism.

In that role, Commissioner Lehman has been a tremendous partner to Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality industry throughout the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic. He was a regular point of contact for the CRA, staying in frequent communication and helping to move forward actions that helped our industry, including: keeping indoor dining open safely ahead of neighboring states, offering grants to restaurant owners and other small businesses, allowing for alcohol-to-go, expand outdoor dining options, and more. As these various changes were under consideration, he was an accessible and communicative partner with the CRA, helping to ensure that the voices of our members were represented at the table where decisions were made.

More broadly in his role as Commissioner, he is dedicated to creating an innovative public-private partnership between DECD and AdvanceCT (formerly CERC) that will provide a new economic development delivery model for our state. His business development priorities include helping build our urban centers into engines of growth; further capitalizing on the state’s top-flight colleges and universities; strengthening the state’s workforce pipelines; and marketing Connecticut as a place that is open for business.

At the start of 2020, Commissioner Lehman hoped to begin his time as commissioner by building back the state’s business incentive program and launching a new jobsgrowth strategy. However, he spent a year and a half working diligently to save Connecticut’s economy from a global pandemic. He worked with Governor Lamont to keep manufacturing and construction open as essential industries. He also helped develop business reopening guidelines and oversaw several state grant and loan programs that provided much-needed capital to small businesses desperate for a financial lifeline. All of these efforts assisted in keeping the state’s economy above water.

Prior to joining DECD , Commissioner Lehman worked in the financial services industry.

Most recently he was Global Head of Real Estate Finance for the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs, where he worked for 15 years.

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CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME presented by GoNation

LOUIS’ LUNCH New Haven

The beginnings of the hamburger sandwich as we all know it today was really quite simple. One day in 1900, a gentleman hurriedly walked into Louis’ Lunch and told proprietor Louis Lassen he was in a rush and wanted something he could eat on the run. In an instant, Louis placed his own blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast and sent the gentleman on his way. And so, the most recognizable American sandwich was born.

Today, Louis’ great grandson, Jeff Lassen, carries on the tradition. The hamburgers have changed little from their historic prototype and remain the specialty of the house. Burgers are made fresh daily; hand-rolled from a proprietary blend of five meat varieties and cooked to order in the original cast-iron grills dating back to 1898. The Lassen family hold firm on their desire not to offer any condiments. The Louis Lunch experience is about the taste and simplicity of a fresh burger grilled to perfection. Cheese, tomato, and onion are the only acceptable garnish.

More than just another eating place, Louis’ Lunch has held a special place in the hearts of New Haveners for generations. It was threatened with demolition in the early 1970’s to make room for a new high rise. Scores of devoted patrons from all over the world took up the cause for its preservation. Plans for the restaurant’s safe relocation were finalized just hours before the deadline. The historic building was loaded onto a truck and made a 30-minute journey to its final resting place on Crown Street. In an effort to help with the reconstruction, friends and supporters sent thousands of bricks to rebuild its revered walls from every corner of the globe. Each one has its own unique story.

Louis’ Lunch is steeped in history and tradition. Your dining experience will be much the same as it was generations ago.

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SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS. SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.

US Foods® is one of America’s great food companies and a leading supplier to restaurants and foodservice operators. Working with food people and the communities they serve is our passion, and we understand the importance of making a positive impact where we live and work. US Foods is proud to help chefs and restaurateurs in communities across the country make it every day.

CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME presented by GoNation

MATCH RESTAURANT South Norwalk

Match was an early pioneer of South Norwalk, opening on Washington Street in 1999 and helping to revitalize the ever-bustling SoNo neighborhood. Over the last 22 years, Match has built a reputation as one of the state’s most beloved restaurants by diners, families, critics and influencers alike, who appreciate our consistency, creativity and atmosphere.

Navigating dynamic global restaurant trends for the last couple decades has been the job of Chef/Owner Matt Storch. The Match team excels with its menu that delights the taste buds, accentuated by service and ambiance perfectly designed to please all the senses.

With a wood burning oven, sliding glass front façade, and rustic urban design; in 1999, Match brought a true metropolitan city feel to a more suburban SoNo. Fast forward to 2021 where the new signature deep purple pops against dark walnut, dramatic industrial chandeliers, and exposed beams on 20 foot ceilings set the stage for seasonal and local delicacies in one of Connecticut’s most unique dining rooms.

The true beauty of Match rests in its guests; from a casual Monday night pizza after work to date nights with seared Foie Gras or a Saturday night with friends sharing Osso Bucco and jokes. The families that have celebrated birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries with us are our treasured friends. We are honored to commemorate and share the same milestones with the next generation.

98 Washington Street and its ever so dedicated employees have had the true privilege of being a part of so many lives and we are forever grateful for this community.

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Datapay payroll proudly supports the ConneCtiCut restaurant assoCiation.

Congratulations to this year’s awarD winners!

All of us at Datapay Payroll would like to wish all Connecticut restaurants a terrific holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the endorsed payroll provider for the CRA.

speCial offers for Cra members: • no Charge for W2s • no Charge for Quarterlys • typiCally 30-40% Cost saVings

Contact us by December 15th and receive the first month of payroll services for free!

Datapay payroll David Kaletski 860-751-9057

Visit us online! www.datapay.com

serving Ct restaurants for the past 30 years.

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR presented by DataPay Payroll

BILL TAIBE

Executive Chef & Owner Don Memo | Kawa Ni | Norwalk Art Space Café | The Whelk Bill Taibe developed a passion for food at an early age while working after school at the local butcher shop. As a young chef, he quickly advanced from Sous Chef to Executive Chef and in the years to follow he would help to develop, design and run many successful restaurants in Fairfield County.

Taibe opened LeFarm, his first restaurant in Westport in 2009 and quickly expanded his culinary presence with the addition of The Whelk, a seafood and oyster bar and Kawa Ni, a Japanese inspired pub.

Don Memo, inspired by Chef Taibe’s respect and love for Mexican culture and cuisine, opened in the summer of 2020. Housed in the historic original Westport Town Hall, Don Memo is at the epi-center of downtown Westport.

Most recently, Taibe opened The Art Space Café. Partnering with The Norwalk Art Space, a philanthropic organization on a mission to educate young adults and celebrate local artists, while creating a free destination for fine art and music in the city of Norwalk. True to Taibe’s and Norwalk Art Space’s founder, Alexandra Korry’s vision, the cafe highlights local Connecticut culinary artisans and products.

Since 2009, Taibe’s restaurant group has evolved from a staff of 6 to over 90 employees. He has created employment opportunities and programs, such as “Kitchen Share’’, to increase the quality of life for his employees. The “Kitchen Share’’, a 3% surcharge on all food sales, is directly dispersed to all kitchen employees on a weekly basis. Since its implementation in early 2017, numerous other restaurant groups are adopting his program across the tri-state area.

Bill lives in Weston with his wife Rachel, sons Caeden and Oliver and his two dogs Boone and Goose.

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2021 CRAZIES FINALISTS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc. Ryan Andrade | The White Hart Inn - Salisbury Jade Ayala | Oyster Club - Mystic Júan Meyer | Rosina’s - Greenwich Khalid Williams | The Barrel Age - Bloomfield

SERVER OF THE YEAR presented by DoorDash

Amanda Casey | Viron Rondo Osteria - Cheshire Jason Gould | Fleming’s Steakhouse - West Hartford Brendan Hayes | Roma Ristorante - Oakville Jess Saunders | Dockside Brewery - Milford

PASTRY CHEF/BAKER OF THE YEAR presented by The Russell Hall Company

Kristin Eddy | Millwright’s - Simsbury Chan Graham | BouNom - Avon David Vacca | Nana’s Bakery & Pizza - Mystic Rob VanKeuren | Flour Water Salt Bread - Darien

CATERER OF THE YEAR

presented by PowerStation Events Delicacy Catering - West Hartford Emily’s Catering - Bristol Marcia Selden Catering & Events - Stamford The Mobile Pub - Watertown

PEOPLE’S CHOICE Red36 - Mystic Taco Daddy - Stamford The Place 2 Be - Hartford & West Hartford Twisted Italian Café - Hartford

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2021 CRAZIES FINALISTS RESTAURANT NEWCOMER presented by Brescome Barton

Camacho Garage - New Haven The Charles - Wethersfield Dockside Brewery - Milford Don Memo - Westport Shipwright’s Daughter - Mystic

CHEF OF THE YEAR

presented by Performance Foodservice Michone Denae Arrington | The Art of Yum - Waterbury & Southington Ashley Flagg | Millwright’s - Simsbury Joel Gargano | Grano Arso - Chester Emily Mingrone | Tavern on State - New Haven Manuel Romero | Olea - New Haven

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR presented by Sysco, LLC

NORTH REGION

SOUTH REGION

Arugula Bistro - West Hartford Millwright’s - Simsbury Present Company - Tariffville Shu Restaurant - West Hartford

Le Petit Café - Branford Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill - New Haven Tavern on State - New Haven Viron Rondo Osteria - Cheshire

EAST REGION

WEST REGION

Oyster Club - Mystic Stone Row Kitchen & Bar - Willimantic TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge - Uncasville Tony D’s - New London

@ The Corner - Litchfield Community Table - New Preston OKO - Westport Taproot - Bethel

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FRESHPOINT Connecticut

is committed to working with small, family run farms across the nation bringing their bounties to our customers’ tables. We believe in the importance of not only a sustainable food system, but a diverse one as well. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued and trusted business partner, and our people, passion and produce is what allows to do just that.

a

company

®

CT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit 501(c)(3), philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. The mission is to promote the health and prosperity of Connecticut’s hospitality industry through education, scholarships and financial assistance. CHEF works to attract, develop and retain a career-oriented professional workforce.

PROSTART PROGRAM The Foundation’s cornerstone program, ProStart, is a two-year, nationwide program that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. ProStart serves more than 1,800 Connecticut high school students each year and culminates with the CT ProStart Invitational in March. The winning teams have the opportunity to compete in the National ProStart Invitational each year against high school programs that represent each and every state, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

WORKFORCE, EDUCATION & WELLNESS CHEF, in coordination with the CRA, supports workforce development opportunities including ServSafe Manager, ServSafe Alcohol, ServSafe Workplace and ServSuccess. Additionally, the foundation works to create apprenticeships, offer professional development opportunities, promotes the restaurant industry as a viable career path and provides mental health awareness/wellness opportunities for our members.

JOE DACOSTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND CHEF awards scholarships each year to students pursuing careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. In 2019, the fund was renamed in honor of the late Joe DaCosta, who was a member of the CRA Board of Directors and had spent more than 35 years in the food service industry, most recently at Sysco Connecticut.

The fund will help to honor Joe’s passion of giving back to future leaders of our industry.

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IMPORTERS & PURVEYORS OF FINE WINES & SPIRITS

Congratulates

The CRAzies Nominees & Winners!

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of Connecticut’s essential workers, restaurants and bars that helped shepherd our industry through the historic challenges of 2020 and 2021.

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MOLSON COORS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION. CONGRATS TO TONIGHT’S WINNERS!

Congratulations to the CRAzies Awards Honorees!

Mark H. Powers Nicole R. Griffin Kevin A. Hill Charles J. Kowaleski www.lobbyct.com P.O. Box 1239, Middlebury, CT 06762

Specializing in Restaurant Taxation & Accounting Tax Planning & Preparation Employee Retention Credits Financial Statement Preparation

CONGRATULATIONS

AWARD WINNERS! The CT Lottery is proud to be a member of the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

GIVE YOUR BAR & RESTAURANT A COMPETITIVE EDGE! No Application or License Fees • No Charge for Equipment • No Termination Fees Commissions Paid Weekly • Can Help Increase Food & Beverage Sales

CALL TODAY! 1.866.428.KENO (5366) Purchasers must be 18 or older.

Our team has years of experience in all aspects of liquor licensing, including expertise in state and federal laws regulatory compliance.

CT Liquor Law Offices Jerry Farrell, Jr. Wallingford, CT

www.ctliquorlaw.com

Lock in your energy rates with Sprague Take advantage of your CRA membership benefits today • Over 150 years of energy experience • Dedicated and local Account Manager • Single point of contact for all your energy needs Call today for your free, no-obligation natural gas or power quote!

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u l t ations a r g n o c To all of the Nominees & Winners

of the crazies 2021 Connecticut Restaurant Association Awards!

Come as you are

Congratulations to all the winners at the table

DINE ON

Minuteman Press of Hartford Supports the

Connecticut Restaurant Association Mailing • Printing • Marketing • Design Services Branded Promotional Products • Branded Apparel quotes@hartfordminutemanpress.com 860.872.1826 | hartfordminutemanpress.com

2 02 1 “ C R A Z I E S ” H O N O R E E S , WINNERS AND NOMINEES. Connecticut Restaurant Association members, we celebrate you!

Get connected to the local market resource to search, shop and order from the state’s beer, wine and spirits wholesalers.

HOW BEER, WINE & SPIRITS GET TO THE MARKETPLACE

START YOUR ACESSS TODAY. www.thebeveragejournal.com/ct-comp-trade-offer/ Or call: 203.288.3375 ext.100

In-Person Classes & Online Training Available Connecticut Specific with Experienced Instructors CRA Member Discounts REGISTER: www.ctrestaurant.org/servsafe

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

Congratulations To All! THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT INDUSTRY!