The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) announced the winners of its 2025 Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards at a ceremony held on December 8 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The annual GRACE Awards Gala recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry.
This year, the Restaurateur of the Year award went to I. Pano Karatassos, Pano I. Karatassos, and Niko I. Karatassos of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group in Atlanta. According to the GRA, “For decades, the Karatassos family has set the gold standard for Georgia dining through Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s acclaimed concepts, each built on the belief that great hospitality comes from ‘a thousand little things.’ Their celebrated portfolio continues to shape Atlanta’s culinary excellence and define what exceptional dining feels like. As industry leaders, they remain committed to elevating standards of quality, service and guest experience.”
Kyle Bryner of Blue Hound Barbecue in Dillard was named Emerging Restaurateur of the Year. The GRA stated, “From pit to plate, Kyle Bryner’s Blue Hound Barbecue embodies bold flavor, craftsmanship and community pride. Bryner’s unwavering commitment to quality has made Blue Hound a destination for barbecue lovers across Georgia and beyond.”
Brad and Hav Usry from Fat Man’s Café & Catering in Augusta received Hospitality Hero of the Year honors. The association said: “For the Usry family, hospitality has always meant uplifting their community, a belief that came to life after Hurricanes Debby and Helene, when Fat Man’s Café & Catering became a lifeline to shelters and first responders across devastated areas. Their rapid, compassionate response honors a multigenerational tradition of service. Fat Man’s continues to exemplify the heart of Southern hospitality when communities need it most.”
Gas South was recognized as Industry Partner of the Year for its support of restaurants statewide.
Other awards included Restaurant Manager of the Year for Nathan Martin at Ted’s Montana Grill in Peachtree City; Restaurant Employee of the Year for Brian Boyle at Atlanta Fish Market; and a posthumous Restaurant Employee honor for Traci Heller at Hudson Grille.
Hall of Fame inductions were awarded to Claude Guillaume—recognized for his leadership in both luxury hotels and airport dining programs—George McKerrow—a co-founder of both LongHorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill—and I. Pano Karatassos for his impact on Atlanta’s restaurant scene since founding Buckhead Life Restaurant Group.
Philip J. Hickey Jr., known for leading several major brands including Rio Bravo Mexican Grill and Miller’s Ale House while serving as past chairman of the National Restaurant Association, received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The peer-nominated GRACE Awards are selected by an academy consisting of previous honorees along with members from GRA’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Winners receive crystal art pieces created by artist Hans Godo Fräbel.
Governor Brian Kemp was also presented with the 2025 GRA Chairman’s Award during this year’s event.
“Georgia’s restaurant community is built by extraordinary people whose passion and resilience uplift our entire state,” said Stephanie Fischer, GRA President and CEO. “It is an honor to recognize their achievements and celebrate the excellence they bring each day. Their contributions fuel local economies, strengthen neighborhoods and reflect the very best of Georgia hospitality.”
