SCRLA Announces 2021 Upstate Hospitality Award Winners

The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) is pleased to announce the winners for the 9th Annual Upstate Hospitality Awards, celebrating the exceptional professionalism and outstanding service of top individuals in the industry. The Awards Ceremony will be held Monday, November 8 at the AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville.

Nominations are accepted from SCRLA members in the Upstate, including Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Spartanburg Counties. The winners include:

Restaurant Front of the House Employee of the Year

Nichelle Torres, Rick Erwin’s Dining Group

Restaurant Heart of the House Employee of the Year

Tierra Locklear, Greenville Country Club

Restaurant Bartender of the Year

Blanca Crowe, CAMP Modern American Eatery

Restaurant Outstanding Certified Sommelier

Tori Whittenberg, Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Restaurant Chef of the Year

John “JR” Bandy, Heirloom Restaurant

Restaurant Manager of the Year

Lucas Haramut, Soby’s New South Cuisine

Restaurateur of the Year

Bob Munnich, Dray Bar & Grill and 1800 Drayton Catering

Lodging Front of the House Employee of the Year

Harrison Givens, AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville

Lodging Heart of the House Employee of the Year

Chad Greenwood, Hotel Domestique

Hotel Chef of the Year

Fernando Coppola, AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville

Lodging Manager of the Year

Chris Osborne, Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort

Hotelier of the Year

Sycamore Investment Group

Hospitality Educator of the Year

Bill Twaler, Truist Culinary and Hospitality Innovation Center (Greenville Technical College)

Outstanding Community Service Award

Haydn Shaak, Restaurant 17 and Hotel Domestique

Award winners have the potential to win a statewide SCRLA Stars of the South Carolina Hospitality Industry Award in early 2022. For more information about the Upstate Hospitality Awards and to purchase tickets, please visit scrla.org/upstate_ awards.