SC’s best and brightest in hospitality honored at Stars of SC Hospitality Awards
February 20, 2019
The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) honored the best of the industry at the annual Stars of South Carolina Hospitality Awards. The winners were recognized at a ceremony on February 18th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia – Greystone. The awards program celebrates businesses and industry professionals who go above and beyond each and every day.
“From lending a helping hand during times of disaster to being the bright spot in guests’ mornings, this year’s winners truly exemplify the highest standards of hospitality and shine on the job each and every day,” said John Durst, SCRLA President and CEO.
Around 200 industry professionals from across the state attended the luncheon. Chef Brandon Velie of Juniper in Ridge Spring and Chef Brandon Carter of FARM in Bluffton were special guest speakers. They spoke about the popular SC Chef Ambassador program, which works to promote SC as a culinary destination by showcasing the state’s culinary talent and locally-grown products.
The event’s keynote speaker was a man whose name is synonymous with South Carolina’s lodging industry. E.L. “Bert” Pooser, Jr. of IMIC Hotels talked about his more than 53 years in the lodging industry.
Congratulations to the 2019 Stars of SC Hospitality Awards Winners
SC Seafood Chef of the Year
Chef Danny Smith, Frank’s Outback, Myrtle Beach
Hospitality Educator of the Year
Geoffrey Blount, International Culinary Institute, Myrtle Beach
Community Service Award
Auro Hotels, Greenville
Hospitality Supplier of the Year Award
Scott and Company, Columbia
Hospitality Supplier of the Year Award
Heartland Payment Systems
Restaurateur of the Year
Lucy Buffet, Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s, North Myrtle Beach
Hotelier of the Year
Chris Harvey, Charlestowne Hotels, Charleston
Outstanding Chef of the Year
Brian Dukes, Fatz Southern Kitchens, Taylors
Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Brandon Urrego, Soby’s New South Cuisine, Greenville
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Samantha Ryan, Cribbs Kitchen, Spartanburg
Lodging Manager of the Year
Sharon “PJ” Howell, Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia – Greystone
Restaurant Front of the House Employee of the Year
Madison White, 5Church, Charleston
Lodging Front of the House Employee of the Year
Monty Shaw, Marriott Greenville
Restaurant Heart of the House Employee of the Year
Garrett Davis, Charleston Crab House
Lodging Heart of the House Employee of the Year
Andrew Partin, Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center, Greenville
Hospitality Neighbor Award
Greater Florence Chapter of the SCRLA
