RAM Annual Awards Gala 2025

Join the party as we celebrate the restaurant and foodservice industry like never before! More than 600 restaurant employees, chefs, owners, and industry supporters will enjoy many local food stations, and open bar, live music, industry awards, and more.
Suggested Dress Code: Cocktail Attire

A photo recap of Gala 2024 has been uploaded via photographer Maximilian Franz's SmugMug. Use password 'CoriG' to access the photos.

Purchase Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities

While Gala is RAM's largest and most exciting annual event, space is limited! This year, we are partnering with the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Assocation (OCHMRA) to bring Gala 2025 to the beach! Sponsors now have the unique opportunity to participate in our Awards Gala and the Spring Trade Expo (March 2 & 3, daytime hours) as a two-for-one deal! Annually, the Spring Trade Expo draws thousands of attendees, making these combination sponsorship packages your ultimate chance for brand exposure. Solidify your company's status in the Mid-Atlantic region while reaching thousands of new potential clients. 

Hotel Room Block

RAM has partnered with the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association to open room blocks at several nearby locations. Click here to see the options.

2025 Award Nominations

Each year, the Restaurant Association of Maryland presents annual awards for the following FOH and BOH positions: Chef of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Server of the Year, and Bartender of the Year. These awards are for those who relentlessly prove their skills and dedication to the industry while demonstrating top-notch leadership qualities. After public nominations, RAM selects five (5) finalists from each category for a public vote. You select the winners. 

Public nominations for the 2025 RAM Awards are open from September 1 through October 31, 2024. After October 31, a panel will review nominations and select five finalists from each category for public voting. The finalist with the most votes will win their respective category and be presented with an award at the Gala. Good luck to everyone!

2024 Chef of the Year Finalists

2024 Manager of the Year Finalists

2024 Server of the Year Finalists

2024 Bartender of the Year Finalists

Presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company

2024 RAM Restaurateur of the Year

Sponsored by the Maryland Restaurant & Hospitality Self Insurance Fund

Geoff Trout - IHOP, Multiple Locations

2024 Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by Phillips Foods & Phillips Seafood Restaurants

Bob Garner - Glory Days Grill, Multiple Locations

2024 Heart of the Industry Award

Clifton Killings - Clyde's
Victor Villatoro - Clyde's
Elena James - Silver Diner
Tanya White - Silver Diner
Vee Sovann - The Fish Market
Pablina Kamara - Jasper's
Adoree Betancourt  - The Original Pancake House

The above listed individuals expressed immense passion and dedication for our industry by speaking their truths at many of our rallies and hearings.  Their efforts directly impacted our ability to fight for the tip credit across Maryland. Thank you.

Food Stations Provided By:

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Industry Supporters:

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