In a Night to Remember, Phil Hickey Goes for the Gold

In a fun, engaging virtual ceremony on Monday night, the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) awarded its coveted Silver Plate awards to eight best-in-class foodservice operators. In addition, Phil Hickey, chairman of Miller’s Ale House Restaurants, who started in the industry as a dishwasher and earlier accepted a Silver Plate in the Chain Full Service category, went on to win the Gold Plate at evening’s end.

Hickey’s fellow honorees include:

Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept:

Joe Essa, president and CEO of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group in Yountville, Calif.

Chain Limited Service:

Scott Redler, chief operating office and co-founder of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Wichita, Kan.

Health Care:

Eric Eisenberg, director of dining services at Rogue Valley Manor retirement community in Medford, Ore.

Elementary & Secondary Schools:

Bertrand Weber, director of culinary and wellness services for the Minneapolis Public Schools

Colleges & Universities:

Zia Ahmed, senior director of dining services at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Business & Industry/Foodservice Management:

Victoria Vega, senior vice president for the specialty group of Unidine Corp. in Boston, Mass.

Retail and Specialty Foodservice:

Brandon Chrostowski, founder, president and CEO of the EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio

Sincere congratulations to all the winners and my personal thanks to them for allowing me the privilege of acting as emcee for the ceremony.