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CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Scott Dolch PRESIDENT & CEO dolch@ctrestaurant.org
Jennifer Conkling-Schmitz FOUNDATION DIRECTOR conkling@ctrestaurant.org
Shannon Murphy
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR murphy@ctrestaurant.org
Lexie Beauchamp
EDUCATION & EVENT ASSISTANT beauchamp@ctrestaurant.org
Yvette M. Tavares VP OF SALES & OPERATIONS tavares@ctrestaurant.org
Liz Barry MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER barry@ctrestaurant.org
Katie Gerber COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER gerber@ctrestaurant.org
Sophia Andrade LEGISLATIVE & EVENT ASSISTANT andrade@ctrestaurant.org
ABOUT THE 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 151,000 workers in Connecticut and generates $12.2 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 amplify your voice, gain access to business-building tools and develop meaningful relationships with your peers.
Congratulates The CRAZIES
Nominees & Winners!
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of Connecticut’s restaurant personnel, restaurants and bars for your continued dedication to making our state’s hospitality industry second to none.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association extends a warm and heartfelt welcome to all attendees of the 2025 CRAZIES Awards. As we gather tonight for the seventh annual celebration of excellence in Connecticut’s hospitality industry, I’m honored to share this remarkable evening with you.
The CRAZIES has grown into a unifying tradition, bringing together industry professionals, business owners, vendors and partners, government officials, as well as the friends, families, and supporters who make this community so strong. Year after year, Connecticut’s restaurants and hospitality professionals continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service.
Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: to stand together as one industry. I am thrilled to share that in 2026, the Connecticut Restaurant Association is expanding our membership to include hotels, broadening our hospitality network and welcoming new partners and opportunities, as well as a greater impact at the local, state and national levels.
This past year marked my first term on the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, and I am also proud to also serve as Chairman of the Council of State Restaurant Associations through 2026. The CSRA strengthens state associations through collaboration and collective influence, and I am committed to working alongside leaders nationwide to elevate advocacy, enhance communication, and advance our industry’s unified voice.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, whose support makes the 2025 CRAZIES Awards Gala possible, and congratulations to all honorees and finalists. Tonight, we celebrate you, and the extraordinary contributions that make Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community truly exceptional.
Thank you, and enjoy the evening!
Scott Dolch President & CEO
Connecticut Restaurant Association
CT Hospitality Educational Foundation
CRA CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2025 CRAZIES! As Chairman of the Connecticut Restaurant Association Board of Directors, I’m thrilled to welcome you all and extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and members for your support of the CRA. Your dedication fuels the CRA’s mission and strengthens our ability to advocate for this industry we all care so deeply about.
This year has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. The CRA continued to stand strong against harmful proposals: from predictive scheduling to additional industry taxes, while pushing forward proactive efforts like credit card interchange reform and the restoration of Connecticut’s tourism budget. I’m also proud to share a milestone we’ve long worked toward: the CRA will officially welcome hotels into our membership. This expansion strengthens our collective voice at the State Capitol and creates new opportunities for collaboration across the broader hospitality industry.
As I wrap up my final year as Chairman, I’m proud to pass leadership to Scott Miller, Chief Operating Officer of DORO Restaurant Group. With his deep industry experience and service on both the CRA and CHEF Boards, the association is in exceptionally capable hands. It has been an honor to serve as CRA Chairman - thank you for the opportunity.
Tonight, we celebrate - here’s to an unforgettable evening and to a vibrant, successful 2026 for Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community!
Keith Beaulieu Owner
The Main Pub (Manchester, CT)
Welcome to the 2025 CRAZIES. Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the people who make Connecticut’s hospitality industry what it is. The CRAZIES isn’t just an awards show; it’s a chance to recognize the teams and individuals whose hard work, creativity, and grit keep this industry moving and make our communities stronger.
As Board Chair of the Connecticut Hospitality Education Foundation (CHEF), I get to see another side of that impact. Hospitality builds careers. It unlocks potential. It offers second chances. Through programs like ProStart and Restaurant Ready, CHEF helps high school students and people facing significant barriers to employment get real skills, real experience, and real mentors. We’re not just training for jobs; we’re helping people step into a future they may not have thought was possible. This year, we’re taking that work even further. With support from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Growth Opportunities 5 grant, CHEF and the Connecticut Restaurant Association are partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to launch the Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES) program here in Connecticut.
HOPES will work with justice-involved young adults, ages 18–24, in Bridgeport— offering education, training, and hands-on experience that leads to meaningful work in our industry.
This is what hospitality at its best looks like: opening doors, building confidence, and creating real pathways to long-term success. Our industry has always been a place where people can grow, reinvent themselves, and find purpose. Because of your support, that story keeps unfolding.
To all of tonight’s finalists and honorees: congratulations. We’re proud of you, we’re cheering for you, and we’re glad you’re part of this industry.
Ben Dubow Executive Director Forge City Works
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the
from your partners at
2025 CRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
Keith Beaulieu
The Main Pub
VICE CHAIRMAN
Scott Miller
DORO Restaurant Group
SECRETARY
Christina Fitzgerald
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Daniel Meiser
85th Day Food Community
TREASURER
Phil Barnett
Hartford Restaurant Group
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Tim Adams
J. Timothy’s Taverne
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Douglas Polistena
The Amber Room Colonnade
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Steven Abrams
Max Hospitality
A.J. Aurrichio
Tanda Hospitality
Suzanne Cannon (Honorary)
Formerly Eli Cannons Tap Room
Olivia Formica
Flanders Fish Market
374 Kitchen + Cocktails
Jason Guyot Foxwoods Resort Casino
Bryce Hardy
The Charles
Jonathan Jennings CT Wedding Group
Michael Marchetti
Marchetti Management
Emily Mingrone
Tavern on State | Fair Haven Oyster Co.
Ryan O’Donnell Pullman & Comley
Brian Phelps Toad’s Place
Don Stevens CohnReznick
Matt Storch Match | Match Burger Lobster
Stephen Tagliatela Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
Bill Taibe Kawa Ni
Luke Venner Elm Restaurant
Helmar Wolf Mill Restaurant Group
2025 CHEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
Ben Dubow
Forge City Works
VICE CHAIRMAN
Daniel Meiser
85th Day Food Community
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Louise Albin
Café Louise
Tyler Anderson
Tanda Hospitality
Phil Barnett
Hartford Restaurant Group
Christopher Gentile CT State Community College - Gateway
Jan Jones University of New Haven
Scott Miller
DORO Restaurant Group
Dave Rutigliano SBC Restaurant Group
Roshara Sanders Culinary Institute of America
LET’S DO LUNCH.
TUESDAY – FRIDAY | 12PM TO 3PM …AND STAY FOR HAPPY HOUR AT 3PM
Carbone’s Kitchen, Carbone’s Prime, and Paul & Vinnie’s are now serving lunch! Enjoy sandwiches, salads, house made pastas, and more — the perfect midday break. Plus, Paul and Vinnie’s is available to roll up to all your on-site events with our food truck.
PRESENTING SPONSORS
DINNER SPONSOR RECEPTION SPONSOR
REGISTRATION SPONSOR AFTER PARTY SPONSORS
KICKOFF SPONSOR
SPIRITS
PHOTOBOOTH SPONSOR
LOUNGE SPONSORS
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MEDIA PARTNERS
85th Day Food Community
374 Kitchen + Cocktails | Flanders Fish Market
Brown-Forman
CBIA
Chef Prasad | Gourmet United City Line Foodservice
CLA
ClarkHirth
CohnReznick LLP
Cr(EAT)e Restaurant Group
CT DECD
Dockside Brewery
Ecolab
Eversource Energy
Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply
Hartford Distributors Inc
Intersect Public Solutions
JMG Insurance Corp
Julien’s Farm Store
Market Hospitality Group
Martignetti Companies
Mill Restaurant Group
Molson Coors Beverage Company
Powers, Griffin & Hill
Restaurant Equipment
Paradise
Skurnik Wines & Spirits
Spartan Restaurant & Bar
Sprague Energy
The Amber Room Colonnade
The Brushmill by the Waterfall
The Charles
The Main Pub
Trimark United East
Vivid Marketing Agency
Whitecrest Eatery
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Ken Swerdlick – President & CEO
Ken brings decades of hands-on experience as a chef, restaurant owner, and contractor to the table. He specializes in designing commercial kitchens that are as efficient as they are economical.
As a Founding Member of the Cooking Up Better Lives Foundation, Ken is deeply committed to the success of his clients, consulting on projects from conception to completion.
Jen Swerdlick – Vice President
Jen combines her expertise in commercial real estate, auctions, and leasing with a deep passion for helping food service professionals succeed.
She is a licensed professional auctioneer and an active member of numerous professional associations, including the National Association of Realtors®.
Together, Ken and Jen have built a business that thrives on lasting customer relationships and a dedicated team of employees.
FINLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET.
2025 CRAZIES PROGRAM
MASTER OF CEREMONIES - Larry Cafero
WELCOME - Scott Dolch, CRA President & CEO
FIRST COURSE
FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY - Anthony M. Anthony
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME - Spartan Restaurant & Bar
presented by GoNation
VENDOR OF THE YEAR
presented by Pullman & Comley
CATERER OF THE YEAR
presented by Powerstation Events
BAR & BEVERAGE TEAM OF THE YEAR
presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc
SERVICE TEAM OF THE YEAR
presented by Eder-Goodman, Slocum & Sons
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
presented by Clover
SECOND COURSE
COUNTY RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR Litchfield | Fairfield | Hartford | New Haven
presented by Sysco
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME - Willimantic Brewing Company
presented by GoNation
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION RECOGNITION
PROSTART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR - Laura Szczygiel
COMMUNITY IMPACT - Kim Morrison & Jamie McDonald
COUNTY RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR Tolland | Middlesex | Windham | New London
presented by Sysco
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
presented by Foxwoods
RESTAURANT NEWCOMER
presented by Toast
THIRD COURSE
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR - Esaul Rodriguez | Puerto Vallarta
presented by US Foods
CHEF OF THE YEAR
presented by Performance Foodservice
CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
presented by Sysco
CLOSING & AFTER PARTY - High Rollers & Grace by Nia
2025 EDUCATOR OF EXCELLENCE
LAURA SZCZYGIEL
Norwich Free Academy
Laura Szczygiel, an educator at Norwich Free Academy, has been named the 2025 Connecticut ProStart Educator of Excellence, recognizing her outstanding commitment to culinary education and her students.
Since Norwich Free Academy joined the ProStart program in 2023, Laura has quickly immersed herself in the curriculum and made an immediate impact. In just her second year, she successfully led two student teams to the CT ProStart Invitational, with one team securing third place. Beyond the classroom, she dedicated personal time, secured funding, and ensured her students had the tools and support needed to compete.
This award serves as a testament to her impact and commitment to the next generation of culinary professionals in Connecticut. Congratulations Laura!
DATAPAY PAYROLL
PROUDLY SUPPORT THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
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.
CHARGE FOR W2s
CHARGE FOR QUATERLYs
30-40% COST SAVINGS Contact David Kaletski: 860 751 9057
COMMUNITY IMPACT RECOGNITION
JAMIE MCDONALD & KIM MORRISON 2025 Award Winners!
Connecticut was center stage TWICE at this year’s Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards!
Jamie McDonald, co-owner of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, was awarded the My Journey Award, and Kim Morrison, co-owner of Beanz & Co, won the Inclusion Innovator Award!
Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards spotlight the restaurant and foodservice industry’s role in cultivating leaders who prioritize people and purpose. Honorees were recognized across categories that celebrate careerbuilding for individuals of all backgrounds, investment in local communities, and personal journeys that create opportunity for others.
WE YOU
XOXO,
ANTHONY M. ANTHONY
State of Connecticut’s Chief Marketing Officer
As Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut, Anthony M. Anthony leads the Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism. Under his leadership, food has become a strategic driver of tourism, elevating Connecticut’s culinary community as a pillar of the state’s identity.
Through bold, story-driven campaigns, Anthony and his team have helped Connecticut’s restaurant industry reach national—and even global—audiences. They declared Connecticut “The Pizza Capital of the U.S.” and “Foodie Capital of New England” with new “Welcome to Connecticut” highway signs, launched the Connecticut Oyster Trail and Pizza Trail, and produced cinematic short films spotlighting chefs and makers across the state. One of these films, Rising Tide to Table, about Connecticut’s oyster farmers and food service community, won Achievement in Directing (Documentary) at the Bridgeport Film Festival.
These efforts have done more than celebrate food—they’ve driven results. Connecticut’s pizza campaign alone generated 17 billion earned media impressions, 4,000+ stories worldwide, a 68% increase in Google searches for “Connecticut pizza,” and 17.5% more tourism from NYC. Long-distance visitation (500–3,000 miles) is up 37%, and average trip length has grown 18%—proof that great meals make great memories.
For Anthony, this work is personal. His great-grandfather opened a restaurant after immigrating to the U.S. in the early 1900s. His father owned several restaurants, and one of Anthony’s earliest memories is walking through his dad’s sports bar at age two—tiny hands full of buffalo wings. Today, that same passion for hospitality and storytelling drives his mission to make Connecticut a place where every restaurant, chef, and creator can thrive.
CONGRATULATIONS
T O A L L T H E H O N O R E E S
WE PROUDLY CELEBR ATE THE PASSSION, DEDICATION, AND EXCELLENCE OF CONNECTICUT'S RESTAUR ANT COMMUNITY. YOUR COMMITMENT TO HOSPITALITY, HARD WORK, AND CREATIVITY CONTINUES TO ELEVATE OUR INDUSTRY AND INSPIRE US ALL.
WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT Strength. Tradition. Excellence. WWW SPARTANRESTAUR ANT COM
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME
presented by GoNation
SPARTAN RESTAURANT & BAR
Waterbury
Founded in 1977 by Athan and Demetra “Toula” Kaloidis, Spartan Restaurant & Bar has been a cornerstone of the Waterbury community for nearly five decades. What began as a small family dream grew into one of the city’s most beloved dining establishments — a place where good food, family, and tradition come together under one roof.
Athan and Toula, Greek immigrants with a deep respect for hard work and hospitality, opened Spartan with a simple but powerful vision: to serve honest food and treat every guest like family. The name “Spartan” was chosen with intention, as a proud reflection of their heritage. It symbolized the strength, discipline, and resilience that defined both their Greek roots and their American journey.
Today, that legacy continues through the leadership of Vasilios “Vasi” Kaloidis, son of Athan and Toula, who proudly carries forward the values his parents instilled. Vasilios has honored their original vision while thoughtfully evolving the restaurant to meet the tastes and expectations of a new generation. Under his guidance, Spartan remains a cherished part of the Waterbury community.
Athan sadly passed away in 2008, but his spirit endures in every corner of the restaurant he helped build: in the recipes, in the sense of welcome, and in the generations of guests who continue to call Spartan their home away from home.
Over the decades, Spartan Restaurant & Bar continued to evolve, expanding its menu and its space. From its signature Greek-style pan pizza to the addition of a banquet room that welcomed countless community celebrations, Spartan became a gathering place woven into the daily life of Waterbury.
CONNECTICUT
by GoNation
WILLIMANTIC BREWING COMPANY
Willimantic
The Willimantic Brewing Company is a living landmark in the heart of northeastern Connecticut. Located on Main Street in downtown Willimantic, what began as a neighborhood café has evolved into one of the region’s most recognizable brewery destinations, drawing locals, visitors, and craft beer lovers alike.
The Willimantic Brewing Company story begins with the original Main Street Café, founded in April 1991. Initially a small deli serving gourmet ice cream and coffees from the lobby of the historic Capitol Theatre, the operation quickly outgrew its 50-seat space. The café moved briefly to another spot on Main Street in 1994, before moving again in 1997 to its current location - a historic 1909 U.S. Post Office Building that had laid vacant for nearly 30 years. Remnants of post office memorabilia have been preserved and remain in the restaurant to this day.
As a brewer-owned brewery, Willimantic Brewing Company has played an essential role in shaping Connecticut’s craft beer landscape. Over the years, they’ve welcomed dozens of aspiring brewers into their brewhouse - many of whom have since launched successful breweries of their own.
Creativity and community spirit run through every corner of the pub, perhaps most famously showcased during the annual Willimantic Boom Box Parade. The Willibrew crew is known for hand-building and painting extraordinary parade floats, often featuring elaborate paper mâché figures and themed designs inspired by classics like Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz and local heroes. Many of these creations now live on throughout the restaurant.
Now celebrating more than 34 years in downtown Willimantic, owner David Wollner and the entire Willibrew team welcome visitors to discover the brewery’s living history, and the community that continues to inspire it.
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.
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR
presented by US Foods
ESAUL RODRIGUEZ
Puerto Vallarta
Esaul Rodriguez, co-owner of Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants in Connecticut, has brought a little of his birthplace, Jalisco, Mexico, to Connecticut. At age 16, speaking no English and with just six dollars in his pocket, he went to Seattle to work in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant.
He learned fast, moving from bus boy to waiter, to cook, to management. At age 21, Esaul opened his own Mexican restaurant in Oregon with his brother, Juan. Determined to share the culture and warmth of Mexico with more people, Easul moved to the East Coast. His vision: to create a place to truly experience Mexican culture.
In 1999, Esaul bought and transformed the former Edelweiss restaurant in West Hartford Center, opening his very first restaurant. Before long, people were lining up to eat at Puerto Vallarta. Over the coming years, Puerto Vallarta restaurants rapidly expanded across Connecticut: Newington in 2001, Middletown in 2003, Southington in 2004, Avon in 2006, Orange in 2012, Danbury in 2016, Fairfield in 2019, and Stamford in 2023. Puerto Vallarta restaurants were the first in the state to do table side guacamole, and the first restaurant of its style to carry prime cuts of meat such as tomahawk, rib eye and porterhouse steaks.
Esaul and the Rodriguez family are deeply committed to their communities, hosting numerous fundraisers each year to support local organizations and charities. Their restaurants also feature popular Vida Dinner Series that bring people together around food and culture. In recognition of their contributions, the family was inducted into the State of Connecticut’s Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame last year.
Esaul’s hard work, paired with a vision of creating a great, traditional Mexican cuisine experience, made his dream come true.
• PROUD SPONSORS OF THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION • Connecticut Distributors, Inc. proudly celebrates your creativity, perseverance, and dedication to making our state’s hospitality industry thrive. Your passion continues to elevate the standard of excellence across Connecticut—cheers to all who make our restaurant community extraordinary.
TO ALL 2025 CRAZIES HONOREES, NOMINEES & WINNERS
Congratulations To All!
THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT INDUSTRY!
2025 CRAZIES FINALISTS
VENDOR OF THE YEAR
presented by Pullman & Comley
Athletic Brewing Company | Milford
Bella Bella Gourmet Foods | West Haven
Nit Noi Provisions | Norwalk
Restaurant Equipment Paradise | East Hartford
Stonington Kelp Company | Stonington
CATERER OF THE YEAR
presented by Powerstation Events
Bleu Catering | New Milford
Distinctive Ideas | Bloomfield
Nikki Glekas Collective | Norwalk
Riverhouse Catering | Haddam
Small Kitchen Big Taste | North Haven
BAR &
BEVERAGE TEAM OF THE YEAR
presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc.
Beauty & Essex | Mohegan Sun
Drift | Essex
Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour | Hartford
I Know You Know | New Britain
Perfusion Bar | Newtown
SERVICE TEAM OF THE YEAR
presented by EderGoodman, Slocum & Sons
David Burke Prime | Foxwoods
Gabriele’s of Westport | Westport
Max’s Oyster Bar | West Hartford
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel | Madison
Viron Rondo Osteria | Cheshire
Congratulations to all of tonight’s 2025 Honorees & Nominees
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2025 CRAZIES FINALISTS
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
presented by Clover
James Arena | DORO Restaurant Group
Stacy D’Angelo | Arethusa al tavolo
Raphaël Dequeker | Raphaël’s Bakery
Julien Tessier | Julien’s Farm Store
Chelsea Tripp | Kouign Bakery
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino
Dew Drop Inn | Derby
Paul’s Pasta | Groton
The Po Café | Washington
Valencia Luncheria | Norwalk
Woke Breakfast & Coffee | Coventry
RESTAURANT NEWCOMER
presented by Toast
Bar Bushido | Norwalk
Belden House | Litchfield
The Foundry | Hartford
The Laurel | West Hartford
ROLi | New Haven
CHEF OF THE YEAR
presented by Performance Foodservice
Ryan Carbone | Ore Hill & Swyft
Ashley Flagg | The Laurel
Bolivar Hilario | Community Table
Johan Jensen | Whitecrest Eatery
Christian Wilki | The Cottage
2025 CRAZIES FINALISTS
RESTAURANTS OF THE YEAR
presented by Sysco
LITCHFIELD COUNTY
Community Table | New Preston
Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria | Torrington
Lost Fox Inn | Litchfield
Materia Ristorante | Bantam
HARTFORD COUNTY
J. Gilbert’s | Glastonbury
Le Mazet | West Hartford
Máncora Restobar | Hartford
Villa Mulino Ristorante | Avon
TOLLAND COUNTY
Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza | Tolland
Ocho Rios Grill | Vernon
PhoLy | Vernon
Trattoria da Lepri | Ellington
WINDHAM COUNTY
ANYA | Thompson
The Harp on Church | Willimantic
Heirloom Food Company | Danielson
Trigo Wood Fired Pizza | Willimantic
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
29 Markle Ct | Bridgeport
Allium Eatery | Westport
Çka ka Qëllu | Stamford
Restaurant L’Ostal | Darien
NEW HAVEN COUNTY
Café Melba | Milford
Fair Haven Oyster Co. | New Haven
Gioia Cafe & Bar | New Haven
Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar | New Haven
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
The Essex | Old Saybrook
Grano Arso | Chester
OSA | Middletown
River Tavern | Chester
NEW LONDON COUNTY
374 Kitchen + Cocktails | Niantic
Nana’s Bakery & PIzza | Mystic
The Port of Call | Mystic
Whitecrest Eatery | Stonington
OVERALL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Each County Restaurant of the Year Winner will become a Finalist for the Overall Restaurant of the Year
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit 501 (c) 3, philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA). Its 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 for the restaurant industry.
EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY
CHEF’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 3,000 Connecticut high school students each year through a curriculum designed by the National Restaurant Association, and culminates with the Connecticut ProStart Invitational. Winning teams compete at the National ProStart Invitational, with students from all 50 states, Guam and Washington, DC.
HOPES & RESTAURANT READY: WORK READINESS
CHEF has partnered with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to bring the Hopes and Restaurant Ready program to Connecticut. These national programs are dedicated to helping people acquire the basic work and life skills necessary to pursue jobs in the hospitality industry and jumpstart a pathway to independence.
Additionally, we work to create apprenticeships, offer professional development opportunities for our members and promote the restaurant industry as a viable career path.
opening doors to opportunity
THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
Chef-owned, f amily-driven, and proudly seed-oil free. We cook the way we f eed our own f amily: with care, integrity, and love in every plate.
WHITECREST EATERY
THE BACK DOOR KITCHEN
OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY
Connecticut Restaurant Association members, we celebrate you!
Get connected to the local market resource from the state’s be er, wine a nd spirits wholesalers.
flanders fish market’s sister spot! and congratulations to all the other leaders in our industry
VIVID
M A R K E T I N G A G E N C Y
Vivid Marketing is a boutique social media agency for hospitality brands. We blend content creation, storytelling, strategy, and influencer collaborations to help restaurants and hotels grow their brand presence and con nect with their audiences in memorable ways.
We offer full-service social media management, monthly content shoots, marketing strategy, and more!
CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY® ©2025 PERONI USA, MILWAUKEE, WI • BEER
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Serving Community Support
Since 1825, Liberty Bank has helped to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and the communities we serve.
We are delighted to partner with organizations like the Connecticut Restaurant Association that share our commitment, and help make our communities great places to live and work. We’re thrilled to sponsor the annual CRAZIES and help cook up opportunities for local talent to shine!
Let Us Cook
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 NOMINEES AND WINNERS
EXPERIENCE A DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER. BOOK TODAY!
