This annual award acknowledges successful restaurant owner(s) who show originality, quality, and superior service in all aspects of their business. The Restaurateur of the Year is recognized by his/her peers, employees and the community for their contributions to the Hospitality Industry and who, by their actions, brings honor to the profession.

Dorothy and Richard Mollett have turned the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel into a spectacular setting for romantic getaways, fine dining, elegant weddings, family reunions or corporate meetings and events.

This beautifully restored country inn and restaurant, acclaimed regionally and nationally, has been saved and recreated by owners / innkeepers, Dorothy and Richard Mollett. They started in 1989 with four rooms and now have fourteen plus an elegant formal dining room, verandah for dining, cozy pub and smokehouse for intimate dinners. The enchanting grounds include a black lined swimming pool, an Omni tournament tennis court, croquet course, putting green and formal gardens.

The house had been boarded up for 30 years when the owners restored it. Mrs. Mollett is an interior designer and also designed Cedar Hill in Calvert County. In the formal dining room, guests enjoy a full breakfast featuring Belgian waffles, scrapple and bacon, poached pears and fresh squeezed orange juice. Local chef Michael Sell caters special dinners. Custom designed Noritake china displays a rendering of Antrim. Mr. Mollett's collection of Rose Medallion china is breathtaking. Brick structures to the back of the house have been converted into informal dining areas. In the smokehouse, an old fashioned cistern is a focus for large parties, which often include seven courses with European service. The summer kitchen with its bake oven and wine cellar, managed by Stewart Dearie, gives out on a small garden café and gift shop.

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