Awards

Educator Excellence Award

Texas ProStart instructors who demonstrate leadership and excellence in culinary education are eligible to contend for the annual Educator Excellence Award. Teachers must be advocates of the Texas ProStart program and dedicated to helping students achieve success. Awarded to educators who have made significant contributions in the classroom and beyond, the award package includes the following:

• $1000 cash prize
• Complimentary registration to the Culinary Educators Training Conference
• 2 tickets to the TRA Marketplace
• 2 tickets to Lone Star Bash
• One-night hotel stay at TRA Marketplace

The winner will go on to represent Texas at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Educator Excellence Awards Dinner in Chicago. Students, colleagues, parents and community members are welcome to nominate deserving teachers. Nominate an educator today at the below form.

Learn about the 2019 winner, Becky J. Salter, here.

Nomination Form

The deadline for submissions is June 15.

The Carmelo Award

The Carmelo Award is an annual recognition, given by the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation (TRAEF), for outstanding achievement by an individual philanthropist who has demonstrated the highest ethical standards, commitment, dedication and talent towards the future of the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Prior Recipients of the Carmelo Award

2019 – Roger Kaplan
2018 – Russell Woodward, Texas Beef Council
2017 – Russel Ybarra
2016 – Margaret McKoin, The Time Group
2016 – Carmelo Mauro, Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano

Award Criteria

• Must have a record of distinguished service to the TRAEF;
• Must have made a lasting contribution to the restaurant and foodservice industry and the mission of the TRAEF;
• Must have exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the restaurant and foodservice industry;
• Must have positively influenced the restaurant and foodservice industry on a state, national or international level.

Nomination Process

• The Carmelo Award will be presented to the recipient during the TRA Marketplace Texas Restaurant Awards event. Nominees should be cleared to attend the event prior to submitting their name for the award.
• All nominations should be submitted through the online form below

For questions regarding the TRAEF Carmelo Award or the nomination process, contact Susan Petty, Chief of Staff, at spetty@txrestaurant.org.

Nomination Form

The deadline for submissions is June 15.

Outstanding Restaurateur Award

Every year, restaurateurs around the state are honored for work in their communities, leadership success, and entrepreneurial spirit. Winners of the Outstanding Restaurateur Award are recognized during the Texas Restaurant Awards event. 

Anyone can nominate a restaurant operator for this award. Winners are chosen by their chapter members. 

Nomination Form

The deadline for submissions is June 15.

2019 OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR AWARD WINNERS:

Richard Dewitt Jr.
Clear Springs Restaurant
East Texas Chapter

Jerry Maddox
Fazoli's
Rio Grande Valley Chapter

Yolanda Franco
Western Sky Steakhouse
San Angelo Chapter

Chris Berry
River Smith's
Lubbock Chapter

Ed Hudson
Jason's Deli
Coastal Bend Chapter

Tilman Fertitta
Landry's
Greater Houston Restaurant Association

Hall of Honor

A long standing Texas Restaurant Association tradition, outstanding individuals are inducted to the Hall of Honor each year to recognize their significant contribution to the Texas restaurant industry and to the association. This honor is the highest that the Association can bestow.

To qualify, nominees must have a minimum of 15 years of TRA membership and exemplify superior business ethics. Criteria include significant time and energy devoted to the benefit of TRA and its members, as well as his or her local chapter. Nominees must also gain proper recognition for the restaurant industry and help to build a positive image.

Nomination Form

The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2021.

Check out these profile videos on our most recent inductees:

Tracy Vaught, Houston
David Cole, Irving

Read the full press release on our 2020 Hall of Honor inductees here.

Texas Restaurant Awards: COVID-19

On August 20, 2020, during Virtual TRA Marketplace, the Texas Restaurant Association acknowledged the efforts of hardworking restaurateurs with the first Texas Restaurant Awards: COVID-19. We congratulate the below winners for their efforts, and thank them for their hard work!

Service Award: Marty B's (Bartonville)
Sponsored by Ben E. Keith

People Award: Maple Leaf Diner (Dallas)

Innovation Award: EVO Cinemas (Kyle, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Austin)
Sponsored by Coca Cola Southwest Beverages

Read the full press release here.