Philip J. Hickey Jr. will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA), the association’s highest honor. Hickey has worked in the restaurant industry for over 50 years and is recognized for his leadership, entrepreneurship, and support for the industry.
Hickey began his career in hospitality after earning a degree from Michigan State University. Early in his career, he co-founded Cooker Bar & Grille in Ohio and later Green Hills Grille in Nashville. He has held leadership positions including president of Rio Bravo Cantina, chairman and CEO of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.—which owned LongHorn Steakhouse, Bugaboo Creek Steak House, and The Capital Grille—and chairman of O’Charley’s Inc.
Under Hickey’s leadership at RARE Hospitality, the company grew to over 300 restaurants and 20,000 employees. Its market capitalization increased from $90 million to $1.3 billion before being acquired by Darden Restaurants. Currently, Hickey is chairman of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House restaurants.
Hickey has also played a significant role in supporting the restaurant industry beyond his corporate roles. He co-founded the Georgia Restaurant Association and served as chairman of the National Restaurant Association. He has contributed to academic programs at Michigan State University and Georgia State University. His civic service includes positions on the boards of the Georgia Restaurant Association, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Georgia Tourism Foundation. He has also chaired the Jimmy Carter Center Board of Councilors.
Throughout his career, Hickey has received awards such as the IFMA Gold and Silver Plate awards, the Golden Chain Award from Nation’s Restaurant News, the Elliot Motivator of the Year Award, and the Norman (Brinker) Leadership Award.
“Phil Hickey is the embodiment of leadership, service and passion for hospitality,” said Stephanie Fischer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association. “His vision has shaped iconic restaurant brands, his advocacy has strengthened our industry, and his generosity has touched countless lives. We are thrilled to honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the GRACE Awards Gala on December 8 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The event will also recognize winners in categories such as Restaurateur of the Year, Emerging Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, the Georgia on My Mind People’s Choice Awards, GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Award and Lifetime Achievement Honoree.
More information about the GRACE Awards can be found at garestaurants.org/GRACE.
