Newman spent his first week in Columbia focusing on internal operations and engaging with the SCRLA staff. He also visited the State House to observe the legislative session and meet office holders and staffers. This week, he has embarked on a statewide listening tour, traveling across South Carolina to meet with members, stakeholders, and partners from the restaurant, lodging, and tourism sectors.

"I’m thrilled to officially be on the ground in South Carolina and dive into the work of supporting our state’s hospitality community," said Mark Newman. "Spending my first week getting to know our dedicated team and seeing the legislature in action was invaluable. Now, being out on the road meeting the people who make this industry thrive has been both enlightening and inspiring. My priority is to listen to our members' needs and ensure the SCRLA remains a powerful voice for the 300,000 South Carolinians employed in this vital industry."

Newman brings over two decades of executive experience to the role. He most recently served as the Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations and previously led the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. His background also includes serving on the Board of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association and a successful earlier career in college athletics, where he helped lead soccer teams to three NCAA national championships.

"We are excited to see Mark hit the ground running," said Chad Patterson, Chair of the SCRLA Board of Directors. "His proactive approach — spending his first days building a foundation with staff and immediately heading out to engage with our members statewide— is exactly the leadership we anticipated. Mark’s deep understanding of the hospitality landscape and his collaborative spirit will serve our members well as we look toward the future."

As Newman continues his travels this week, he will visit various regions to discuss advocacy efforts and the unique challenges and opportunities facing hospitality businesses from the Upstate to the Lowcountry.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA) today announced the appointment of Mark Newman as its next President & Chief Executive Officer, following a national search to identify the leader best positioned to guide the organization and the state’s hospitality industry into its next chapter of growth. 

Newman brings more than two decades of executive leadership across tourism, public media, nonprofit, and cultural organizations. He will assume leadership of SCRLA at a time when South Carolina’s hospitality industry plays an increasingly central role in the state’s economy and community life. 

Hospitality is deeply woven into South Carolina’s identity—from its coastal communities, rich farmlands, and historic cities to the restaurants, hotels, and tourism destinations that welcome millions of visitors each year. 

“South Carolina’s hospitality industry is one of the great engines of our state’s economy and culture,” said Chad Patterson, Chair of the SCRLA Board of Directors. “We are confident that Mark brings the leadership experience, collaborative spirit, and mission-driven mindset needed to guide SCRLA into its next phase. His background leading associations and public organizations, his experience working with elected leaders, and his previous work advancing tourism initiatives have given him a deep understanding of how vital our hospitality industry is to tourism across South Carolina. These qualities made him the right leader for this moment in time.” 

Patterson added that Newman’s ability to build partnerships across business, government, and communities will be instrumental in strengthening the association’s role as the voice of the hospitality industry across South Carolina.

Newman currently serves as Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, where he leads a statewide association of public media organizations and works closely with policymakers, community leaders, and nonprofit partners to advance education, journalism, and public service initiatives. 

Previously in his career, Newman served as Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, where he worked alongside tourism and hospitality leaders to grow visitation and economic impact across the state. He has also served on the Board of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, deepening his connection to the hospitality industry and its role in strengthening local communities. 

Newman began his professional journey in an entirely different arena—college athletics—as an assistant men’s soccer coach who helped guide teams to three NCAA national championships. A former goalkeeper, he credits that experience for shaping his leadership style around teamwork, communication, and collective success. 

“I’m honored to join the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association and to work alongside the people who make hospitality such an essential part of South Carolina’s economy and community life,” said Newman. “Hospitality is at the heart of what makes South Carolina such a welcoming place. It creates jobs, supports local communities, and helps showcase the very best of the state. I look forward to elevating the voice of the industry and working with SCRLA’s members, industry partners, and public officials to ensure that South Carolina continues to be one of the most welcoming and vibrant destinations in the country.” 

SCRLA represents restaurants, hotels, tourism destinations, and hospitality businesses across South Carolina. The organization advocates for policies that support the industry, provides education and workforce development programs, and connects hospitality leaders across the state. 

The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association represents more than 2,400 member companies across the foodservice and lodging sectors and serves as the leading advocate for the state’s hospitality industry. The industry employs more than 300,000 South Carolinians and plays a vital role in communities and the state’s economy. 

Newman will relocate to South Carolina and begin his role with SCRLA in April 2026. 

The national search process was conducted with the support of executive search firm Stanton Chase.

Students from Anderson County Career and Technology Center (ACTC) placed first in the Culinary Arts Competition presented by Cheney Brothers, while Golden Strip Career Center placed first in the Restaurant Management Competition presented by the University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

ACTC school serves students from Belton-Honea Path, Palmetto, Powdersville, and Wren High Schools in the Anderson I & II School Districts. Golden Strip Career Center is a vocational school serving students in the Greenville County School District.

ProStart Program® is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. Established in 1999, South Carolina ProStart is an initiative administered by the SCRLF and the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. This comprehensive two-year curriculum bridges the gap between the classroom and the foodservice industry. Students gain mastery in culinary arts, restaurant operations, and employability, while earning college credit and access to exclusive scholarship and employment opportunities.

The Culinary Competition requires students to demonstrate knife skills incorporated into cooking a three-course meal in 60 minutes with only two butane burners, two eight-foot tables and without the use of electricity or running water. The Management Competition requires students to develop a brand-new restaurant concept to pitch to a panel of industry and post-secondary judges, complete with critical thinking and verbal presentation rounds.

To ensure the highest standards, more than 100 seasoned professionals and academic leaders volunteered to judge the event. Teams were scored on a rigorous rubric including: their professional appearance, teamwork, decision making ability, product taste, and overall menu appeal.

Culinary Competition Standings:

1.   Anderson Career and Technology Center

2.   Enoree Career Center (Greenville)

3.   Center for Career Innovation (Clover)

4.   J. Harley Bonds Career Center (Greer)

5.   Golden Strip Career Center (Greenville)

Restaurant Management Competition Standings:

1.   Golden Strip Career Center (Greenville)

2.   Academy for Technology and Academics (Conway)

3.   Donaldson Career Center (Greenville)

4.   Center for Career Innovation (Clover)

5.   Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School

The two winning teams earned more than $20,000 in scholarships and the opportunity to compete against teams from other states at the National ProStart Invitational® in Baltimore, Maryland in April.

"The hospitality industry is the heartbeat of South Carolina’s economy, but its true strength lies in the dedicated individuals who show up every day to serve our guests and communities" said Douglas OFlaherty, interim President and COO of SCRLA. "These awards are a testament to the passion and resilience of our workforce. Honoring these 'Stars' isn't just a celebration of their hard work—it’s a recognition of the excellence that makes our state a world-class destination."

The Stars of Industry Awards recognize the extraordinary commitment, professionalism, and service of individuals who elevate South Carolina’s $31 billion hospitality industry. From front-of-house staff to executive leadership, these honorees represent the pinnacle of excellence in service and community contribution.

"This year's honorees have shown us what excellence looks like in real time. You have turned long days into memorable experiences. You have solved problems with grace. You have lifted up teammates, supported your communities, and raised the bar for what hospitality can be... Your work doesn’t just create satisfied guests—it builds loyalty, comfort, and connection in a world that needs all three,” said Mark McKinney, Manager of Business Specialists at Sysco.

2026 Award Honorees

Restaurant Categories:

• Restaurateur of the Year
  Jonathan Kish, Queen Street Hospitality
• Restaurant Manager of the Year
  Elizabeth Kinney, Restaurant 17/Hotel Domestique
• Outstanding Restaurant Chef of the Year
  Michael Sibert, White Wine & Butter
• Outstanding Bartender of the Year:
  Patrick Peterson, Isla's on the Square
• Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year:
  Holly Hill, Republic Hospitality
• Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year:
  Wallace Taylor, Reilley’s Grill & Bar
• Restaurant Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year:
  Whitney Haramut, Table 301 Hospitality

Lodging Categories:

• Hotelier of the Year:
  Casey Lavin, Beemok Hospitality
• Hotel Manager of the Year:
  Mitchell Martin, Dayton House Resort
• Outstanding Hotel Chef of the Year:
  Malakai Craft, Auro Hotels
• Hotel Front of House Employee of the Year:
  Abdullah Beard, Hilton Garden Inn
• Hotel Heart of House Employee of the Year:
  Jacqueline Maynard, Staybridge Suites
• Hotel Room Attendant of the Year:
  Ana Martinez De Alvarenga, Westin Poinsett
• Hotel Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year:
  Amber Cobia-Fort, Graduate by Hilton

Community & Industry Awards:

• Hospitality Educator of the Year:
  Joseph Bonaparte, International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach at HGTC
• Hospitality Supplier of the Year:
  Ecolab
• Outstanding Community Leader:
  Heath Dillard, VisitGreenvilleSC
• Outstanding Community Service Program:
  Performance Foodservice Group

All pictures from the 73rd Annual Stars of the Hospitality Industry Awards Gala can be found in our photo album.

Two exceptional individuals will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and three restaurateurs will also be inducted into the 2024 Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. This accolade stands as a high honor in South Carolina’s restaurant industry-- an annual tribute reserved for the visionary restaurateurs of the Columbia area who embody long-term success in this continuously challenging and unique business.

The Midlands’ culinary culture is dynamic, and the city boasts an eclectic mix of old-school favorites, international cuisine, and innovative newcomers. 

Carmella and Joe Roche, owners of Villa Tronco, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for their 85 years of service to the Midlands community. Villa Tronco's continued success is certainly a reflection of strong family values, and the hard work ethic passed down by Sadie Tronco throughout the generations. 

This year’s Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Steve Cook, Saluda’s Restaurant
• Larry Chandler, Firehouse Subs (TLC Enterprises, LLC)
• Mark Price, Mill Pond Steakhouse

Saluda’s is located in the heart of Columbia’s vibrant Five Points neighborhood, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capital building. Steve Cook and his team at Saluda’s have been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since they opened in 1996.

Larry Chandler, owner of TLC Enterprises, LLC, is the nation’s largest franchise owner of Firehouse Subs with more than 39 locations throughout North and South Carolina, and 15 in the Midlands area. Firehouse is known for its dedication to the com­munity, and the Public Safety Foundation is such a huge part of TLC Enterprises, raising more than $3.3 million for South Carolina’s public safety organizations.

Located just outside of Columbia in beautiful, historic Boykin, Mark Price and his team at Mill Pond Steakhouse have been offering a unique, serene dining experience unlike anything else in the state since 2006. Mill Pond offers a fine-dining experience with a well-stocked bar, exquisite cuts of dry- and wet-aged beef and enhanced versions of steakhouse sides sold à la carte.

Since 2006, the SCRLA has honored more than 50 restaurateurs for their achievements in the hospitality industry. Tickets begin at $100 and may be purchased by visiting scrla.org/event/colahof.

Nominations from SCRLA members across the Upstate, of Anderson, Greenville, Pickens, and Spartanburg Counties were accepted and reviewed by the selection committee.

We invite you to join us for a memorable event at the Upstate Hospitality Awards Ceremony, where we will come together to honor these honorees. Reserve your tickets today for Monday, November 11, at The L by Larkin’s, downtown Greenville, as we celebrate the very best of hospitality!

This year's winners include:

Restaurant Categories

• Front of House Employee of the Year
  Danny Alexander, Ruth's Chris Steak House
  
  
• Heart of House Employee of the Year
  Dimetre Jones, Ruth's Chris Steak House
  
  
• Manager of the Year
  Drew Breen, Camp Modern American Eatery
  
  

• Outstanding Bartender of the Year
  Samuel Goudy, Restaurant 17/Hotel Domestique
  
  
• Outstanding Certified Sommelier
  Alexandra Hackett, Rick Erwin Dining Group
  
  
• Restaurateur of the Year
  Joe Cash, Scoundrel
  
  
• Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year
  Michaele Leitch, Table 301

Lodging Categories

• Front of House Employee of the Year
  Jessica Ward, AC Hotel Greenville
  
  
• Heart of House Employee of the Year
  Monty Carmichael, Embassy Suites Golf Resort Greenville
  
  
• Manager of the Year
  Derek Cooper, Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites
  
  

• Excellence in Housekeeping
  Marka Fitzgerald, Embassy Suites Golf Resort Greenville
  
  
• Hotelier of the Year
  Barbara Shehan, The Abernathy
  
  
• Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year
  Jennifer King, Spartanburg Marriott

Open/Community Categories

• Hospitality Educator of the Year
  David Miller, Bob Jones University
  
  
• Hospitality Supplier of the Year
  TPM, Inc

• Outstanding Community Service Program
  Arrowhead Design Group's 501c Project
  
  
• Outstanding Community Service Leader
  Tammy Johnson, High Spirits Hospitality

Team South Carolina Shines at National ProStart Invitational

Team South Carolina battled more than 400 competitors at the 2023 National ProStart Invitational earlier this month in Washington, D.C. Anderson Career and Technology Center (ACTC) placed fourth in the Culinary Arts Competition, while Golden Strip Career Center placed 20th in Restaurant Management.

The event featured a show-stopping display of culinary talent and restaurant business acumen by over 90 of the country’s best and brightest high school teams from 46 states. All students competing in the National ProStart Invitational earned their place by winning their state-level ProStart Invitational competitions.

ACTC serves students from Belton-Honea Path, Palmetto, Powdersville, and Wren High Schools in the Anderson I & II School Districts. Golden Strip serves students from Hillcrest, Mauldin and J.L. Mann High Schools in Greenville County Schools.

Established in 1995 by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF), ProStart has equipped 1 million high school students to date with career ready culinary and restaurant management skills. Today, the program reaches nearly 165,000 students at almost 1,850 schools, who emerge ready to build a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. South Carolina ProStart was introduced in 1999 and reaches 54 schools statewide.

“The passion and talent displayed by the National ProStart Invitational competitors was truly awe-inspiring, giving us a front row seat to the next generation that will shape our industry,” said NRAEF President Rob Gifford. “Thanks to the daily work of our educators, ProStart is equipping these students with crucial career-building skills that will enhance their lives in the industry, or wherever their futures take them.” 

The National ProStart Invitational is a high-stakes competition between some of the best culinary and restaurant management students in the country. Students on the culinary teams had 60 minutes to prepare a three course, fine dining menu, using only two butane burners and no running water. The management teams persuaded a panel of judges that their innovative restaurant business pitches had the chops to succeed in the real world.

Going head-to-head against 45 fellow teams, ACTC’s menu consisted of sea scallops with potato croquettes and a spring vegetable salad as a starter, and pan-seared squab with creamy parsnip puree, braised turnip greens, and a fig reduction sauce to follow. They completed their menu with a deconstructed carrot cake with cream cheese whipped ganache, pineapple cream and carrot sorbet.

More than 70 industry and post-secondary judges were on hand to select the winning teams. Students were evaluated on their uniform and professional appearance, teamwork, decision making ability, product taste, and overall menu appeal. The top 10 winning teams earned more than $200,000 in scholarships.

South Carolina’s Educator of Excellence nominee, Kimberly Bush, will travel to Dallas, TX in July for the Educator of Excellence Awards Ceremony and ProStart professional development training. Bush, a ProStart instructor at South Aiken High School, is recognized for sharing her experiences in the hospitality industry and her contributions to culinary education.

About the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

For more than 75 years, the SCRLA’s mission has been to promote, protect and educate the foodservice and lodging industries of our state and to ensure positive business growth for our members. The SCRLA strives to represent the best interests of its members on small business issues, hospitality, and tourism concerns and towards the protection of South Carolina’s quality of life. Learn more at scrla.org.

About ProStart®

ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school career and technical education program uniting the classroom and restaurant industry, reaches nearly 165,000 students at almost 1,850 high schools throughout all states, the District of Columbia and Guam. ProStart gives students a platform to discover and develop new interests and talents, while teaching employability skills like teamwork, professional behavior, time management and communication.

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF’s charitable mission includes enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. Learn more at ChooseRestaurants.org.

The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) recently entered into a new partnership agreement with AllTrack Performing Rights, the fastest growing Performing Rights Organization (PRO) in the United States, to issue discounted music licenses to its members.

Proper music licensing is fundamental to any business that plays music or hosts live performances, whether at a restaurant, hotel, bar, or nightclub. A PRO clears music for businesses and passes the resulting royalties on to songwriters and publishers each time their songs are played by any of the following means: audio streaming, TV or video streaming, background music services, live performances, live DJs, karaoke, digital files, and jukeboxes.

AllTrack is exclusively dedicated to aggregating independent, aspiring, and professional creators and publishers across all major genres including country, hip hop, pop, and rock, and making their music available to businesses throughout the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with the SCRLA, as South Carolina is home to some of the best and most unique restaurants and hotels in the country,” said Brian Mullaney, Chief Revenue Officer for AllTrack. “We believe the music we represent is the perfect complement to what the state has to offer its visitors and residents.”

Through this partnership, AllTrack will seamlessly provide SCRLA members the blanket protection they require under United States Copyright Law. AllTrack’s tech forward approach makes the process of obtaining a blanket license easier than ever and provides the required protections that cannot be obtained from background music subscription services.

Businesses are required to have a performance license to play copyrighted songs in their establishments that the public can hear and enjoy.

“Music and entertainment for many hospitality businesses are key to the success of their operations,” said Susan Cohen, President and CEO of the SCRLA. “We are pleased to offer our members valuable savings when paying their music licensing fees.”

AllTrack will provide a 15% discount for all SCRLA member restaurants and hotels on their annual licensing fees, which vary by member type and size. In addition, an incremental percentage will be given back to the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Foundation to support post-secondary scholarships, industry-related school-to-career programs, and workforce development initiatives.

Click here to take advantage of this exclusive member benefit and save money on music licensing fees through AllTrack Performing Rights.

About AllTrack

AllTrack Performing Rights is the only full-service global performing rights organization (PRO) established specifically to represent independent music creators – songwriters, composers, producers and publishers. AllTrack issues simple and efficient blanket music license agreements to businesses permitting them to use all of AllTrack’s music, both ethically and in compliance with copyright law, and distributes the resulting fees as royalties to its affiliated creators when their music is performed in public. An AllTrack license permits businesses to play music by all means of public performance as defined under copyright law, including via streaming services, background services, TV, cable, radio, digital files, jukeboxes and other recorded means, and to host live music, DJs, karaoke, comedic and other similar performances at their locations. Through the ongoing development and use of cutting-edge technology designed to eliminate inefficiencies, AllTrack is committed to providing a near effortless compliance solution for businesses and creators, resulting in a hyper-efficient, fair and balanced marketplace for all. Visit alltrack.com to learn more.

Students from Anderson Career and Technology Center (ACTC) won first place in the Culinary Arts Competition, while Golden Strip Career Center (GSCC) won first place in the Restaurant Management Competition. Both competitions were hosted by Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing and Refrigeration.

ACTC school serves students from Belton-Honea Path, Palmetto, Powdersville, and Wren High Schools in the Anderson I & II School Districts. Golden Strip serves students from Hillcrest, Mauldin and J.L. Mann High Schools in Greenville County Schools.

ProStart is a national two-year program offered at participating schools across the country for high school juniors and seniors interested in the culinary arts. Established in 1999, South Carolina's ProStart is run by the SCRLF and the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, and provides high school and college academic credit, scholarships, and paid work opportunities for students. The program is much more than a typical high school curriculum as it unites the foodservice industry and the classroom to teach high school students culinary skills and restaurant management principles, as well as employability skills.

The Culinary Competition requires students to demonstrate knife skills incorporated into cooking a three-course meal in 60 minutes with only two butane burners, two eight-foot tables and without the use of electricity or running water. The Management Competition requires students to develop a brand-new restaurant concept to pitch to a panel of industry and post-secondary judges, complete with critical thinking and verbal presentation rounds.

More than 100 industry and post-secondary judges and volunteers were on hand to select the winning teams. Students were evaluated on their uniform and professional appearance, teamwork, decision making ability, product taste, and overall menu appeal.

The two winning teams earned more than $10,000 in scholarships and the opportunity to compete against teams from other states at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington D.C. in May.

Restaurant Management Competition Standings:

1. Golden Strip Career Center (Greenville)
2. Center for Advanced Technical Studies (Chapin)
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School
4. Donaldson Career Center (Greenville)
5. South Aiken High School

Restaurant Management Competition Standings:

1. Anderson Career and Technology Center
2. Golden Strip Career Center
3. Daniel Morgan Technology Center (Spartanburg)
4. Ninety-Six High School
5. Lancaster County School District Career Center

Anderson Career and Technology Center taught by Chris Moree

Golden Strip Career Center taught by Elijah Edwards

The Stars of Industry Awards celebrate the exceptional professionalism and outstanding service of top individuals in the hospitality industry. These individuals go above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of the hospitality industry while also being confronted with supply and labor shortages.

This year’s Community-Based Award winners include:

Outstanding Hospitality Educator of the Year
Kevin Mitchell, Culinary Institute of Charleston

Outstanding Hospitality Supplier of the Year
BreakThru Beverage of South Carolina

Outstanding Community Program
Hubitality

Outstanding Community Service Leader
Roy Neal, El Jefe Texican Cantina

Allied Member of the Year
JonesCraft Hospitality Recruiters

Lodging Member of the Year
IMIC Hotels

Restaurant Member of the Year
Lizard’s Thicket Restaurants

Rising Star
Byrone Porcher, Wild Dunes Resort

This year’s Stars of the Industry winners include:

Hotelier of the Year
Fabian Unterzaucher, The Westin Poinsett

Lodging Manager of the Year
Lisa E. Anderson, Charming Inns

Lodging Front of House Employee of the Year
Artur Koci, Hilton Myrtle Beach

Lodging Heart of House Employee of the Year
Josh Gatewood, Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort

Lodging Bartender of the Year
Danielle Scolaro, Sea Pines Resort

Chef of the Year
Howard Stephens, Market on Main

Pastry Chef of the Year
Sara Johnson, Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Restaurateur of the Year
Kristian Niemi, Black Rooster, Bourbon, Honey River Catering and The Dragon Room

Restaurant Manager of the Year
Ryan Jones, Halls Chophouse Columbia

Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year
Dana Lindsey, Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year
LaTiffany Hook, Willy Taco

Restaurant Bartender of the Year
Molly Buford, Ms. Rose’s Fine Food & Cocktails

Purchase your tickets and sponsorships at scrla.org/starsoftheindustry.

Nominations were accepted from SCRLA members in the Upstate, including Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Spartanburg Counties.

"The talented employees and managers are the individuals who make the hospitality industry so special in Upstate South Carolina, not just the amazing menus and venues," said Susan Cohen, President and CEO of the SCRLA. "Each year, we are excited to hear the stories of professionalism, dedication, and the above-and-beyond service that create outstanding team and guest experiences."

This year’s winners include:

• Restaurant Front of the House Employee of the Year: James Davis, Greenville Country Club
• Restaurant Heart of the House Employee of the Year: LaTiffany Cook, Willy Taco
• Restaurant Bartender of the Year: Dana Lindsey, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Kristyn Gizzi, Restaurant 17
• Outstanding Chef of the Year: Hank Reinhold, Southern Pressed Juicery
• Restaurant Manager of the Year: Baileigh Wilson, AC Hotel Greenville
• Lodging Front of the House Employee of the Year:  Rosintan Suryaningsih, Hilton Greenville
• Lodging Heart of the House Employee of the Year:  Josh Gatewood, Embassy Suites Golf Resort Greenville
• Lodging Manager of the Year: Hannah Metzger, AC Hotel Greenville
• Hotelier of the Year: Fabian Unterzaucher, Westin Poinsett Hotel
• Hospitality Educator of the Year: Robert Hansen, Bob Jones University
• Hospitality Supplier of the Year: Greg Googer, Coastal Development Partners
• Outstanding Community Service Program: Alicia Long, Hilton Greenville, I Am My Sister’s Bra Foundation

Award winners have the potential to win a statewide SCRLA Stars of the South Carolina Hospitality Industry Award in 2023. For more information about the Upstate Hospitality Awards and to purchase tickets, please visit scrla.org/upstate_ awards.

Five individuals, representing nine Midlands restaurants, will be presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards and inducted into the Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. This honor represents a significant accomplishment in South Carolina’s restaurant industry and is presented annually to the Columbia area restaurateurs that exemplify long-term success in this challenging business.

"It’s always exciting to celebrate new restaurant concepts here in the Midlands, but it is a special honor to recognize the outstanding businesspeople and restaurateurs behind those longstanding favorites," said Susan Cohen, President and CEO of the SCRLA. "These restaurants are not just known for their food, but also the influence they have had on the Midlands' culinary scene over the years."

The evening will begin with a reception featuring South Carolina ProStart students, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. The Greater Columbia Chapter will also host a reverse raffle to raise money for the Hospitality Education Scholarship Fund, which has provided more than $260,000 to assist students who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the hospitality industry.

The 2022 Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Star Chappell, Cabana Cafe and Catering
• Ricky Mollohan, Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
• Brian and Kelly Glynn, Village Idiot Pizza
• Kristian Niemi, Black Rooster, Bourbon, and The Dragon Room

Sandra Craig, Director of the Division of Food and Lead Risk Assessments at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, will be presented with the “Rudy” Award and honored for her exemplary service and positive impact on the state’s restaurant industry.

Tyrone and Kiki Cyrus, owners of Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, will be honored with the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes the hard work, dedication and entrepreneurship of an emerging restaurant concept in the Midlands. 

Since 2006, the SCRLA has honored more than 35 restaurateurs for their achievements in the hospitality industry. Click here for more information about the event and to purchase tickets. Tickets begin at $75.

This collaboration celebrates the long-standing history EMPLOYERS has serving the hospitality industry. For over 100 years, EMPLOYERS has provided workers’ compensation insurance for small businesses across America, many of those in food and lodging. Teaming up with the SCRLA was a natural fit, as EMPLOYERS works with similar associations across the nation and is a proud sponsor of giving programs designed to help the hospitality industry and its employees thrive.

“EMPLOYERS is thrilled to provide SCRLA with best-in-class workers’ compensation insurance. We’re passionate about sharing our expertise with business owners in South Carolina and providing them with the resources they need to make the best decisions for their unique businesses,” said Kathy Antonello, Chief Executive Officer of EMPLOYERS. “As a monoline company, we have the size, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit to excel at what we do best. We understand workers’ comp, and we’re committed to provide SCRLA members with quality services and valuable coverage.”

“Accidents and workplace injuries can happen in the hospitality industry, and having a workers compensation policy in place provides a business with an extra layer of protection,” said Susan H. Cohen, President and CEO of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to partner with EMPLOYERS to find our members the best coverage and rates for their hotels and restaurants.”

To learn more about workers’ compensation insurance coverage with EMPLOYERS and the SCRLA program, click here.

To make the study as beneficial as possible, your participation is critical to its success. This study will primarily focus on local data for the diverse sectors in foodservice and lodging industry. 

Through the end of April, we will be asking that you participate in our data collection phase. The survey is open to both members and non-members. Everyone who provides data will have complimentary access to the study results.

Survey, wage and benefits benchmarking data is important to your business, especially in this era of extremely low unemployment. Many of our members are saying they’re challenged to recruit the workers they need to operate and grow.

The SCRLF Wage & Benefits Benchmarking Study:

• Ensures you have comparison salary data you need to attract and retain employees
• Provides benchmarks not just on wages, but on benefits provided to employees
• Helps provide salary benchmarking data that SCRLA can use to help market our industry to the next generation of talent

Using this salary survey is vital to the effectiveness of your compensation plan and retention strategy. Avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of this member benefit to maximize the protection of your biggest investment—your people!

Click here to enter your data before April 30.

Please note: To access to survey, you must be logged into the SCRLA website. If you do not have a profile, please create one by selecting the complimentary "non-member, wage and benefit survey access only" option.

 

The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Foundation (SCRLF) hosted its 16th Annual South Carolina ProStart Invitational on March 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Approximately 100 students from 16 high schools demonstrated their business acumen and culinary arts skill set at the statewide competition.  

1. Anderson Career and Technology Center
2. Golden Strip Career Center (Greenville)
3. G. Frank Russell Technology Center (Greenwood)
4. Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School
5. North Augusta High School

1. Anderson Career and Technology Center
2. Daniel Morgan Technology Center (Spartanburg)
3. Ninety Six High School
4. Clover High School
5. Golden Strip Career Center

The Stars of South Carolina Hospitality Industry Awards celebrate the exceptional professionalism and outstanding service of top individuals in the hospitality industry. These individuals go above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of the hospitality industry while also being confronted with supply and labor shortages.

Click here to view photos from the event.

This year’s Community-Based Award winners include:

Hospitality Educator of the Year

Bill Twaler, Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center

Hospitality Supplier of the Year

SpotOn

Outstanding Community Service Program (<5 locations)
Haydn Shaak, Restaurant 17 and Hotel Domestique

Outstanding Community Service Program (>5 locations)
SERG Restaurant Group

Outstanding Community Event
Midlands Area Vaccination Clinic for Hospitality Employees

Blue Marlin

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Lovelace Family Medicine, P.A.

Rising Star

Qiah Hernandez-Rivera, Lazy Goat/Table 301 Apprentice

This year’s Stars of the Industry winners and runners-up include:

Hotelier of the Year

Yatish Patel, Sycamore Investment Group

Runner Up: Jason Price, Pinnacle Partnership

Lodging Manager of the Year

Jana Medlin, Wingate by Wyndham Columbia/Lexington

Runner Up: Chris Osborne, Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center

Lodging Front of House Employee of the Year

Delphine Holden, Hampton Inn Georgetown

Runner Up: Bryan Hernandez, Wentworth Mansion

Lodging Heart of House Employee of the Year

Rosa Fonseca, Sheraton Myrtle Beach

Runner Up: Telly West, North Charleston Marriott

Hotel Chef of the Year

Fernando Coppola, AC by Marriott Hotel Greenville

Restaurateur of the Year

Bob Munnich, Dray Bar and Grill & 1800 Drayton Catering and Events

Runner Up: Michael Ivey, Rick Erwin Dining Group

Restaurant Manager of the Year

Natasha Cline, Uncork Charleston

Runner Up: Lucas Haramut, Soby’s New South Cuisine

Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year

Nichelle Torres, Rick Erwin Dining Group

Runner Up: Sydney Lopez, Market on Main

Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year

Tierra Locklear, Greenville Country Club

Runner Up: James Glenn, Hilton Greenville

Restaurant Bartender of the Year

Ben Fleming, Heirloom – A Milltown Eatery

Runner Up: Kelsey Bundy, Market on Main

Restaurant Chef of the Year

Adam Cooke, Topsoil Restaurant

Runner Up:  Robin Hinton, Lucy Buffet’s LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach

Outstanding Certified Sommelier

Hernan Martinez, Hampton Street Vineyard

Runner Up: Tori Whittenberg, Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Click here to view photos from the event.

“It is my absolute pleasure to be working with the team at SCRLA to continue the phenomenal work they have done to help guide our industry through growth, innovation, and most recently, the challenges of the pandemic,” said Frits. “As we embrace the culture of the ‘new normal’, I look forward to working with the SCRLA and the board of directors to further South Carolina’s hospitality industry.”

Frits has spent more than 30 years as a manager in the lodging industry, leading hotels across the United States including: Hilton Atlanta, Hilton Anatole in Dallas, The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., Hilton San Francisco, and Hilton Anchorage. Frits recently transitioned the independent Springmaid Beach Resort into the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, a 453-guest room resort which sits on 27 acres at the south end of Ocean Boulevard. The resort offers more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space.

Frits graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. 

The Stars of South Carolina Hospitality Industry Awards celebrate the exceptional professionalism and outstanding service of top individuals in the hospitality industry. These individuals go above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of the hospitality industry while also being confronted with supply and labor shortages.

“Every hotel or restaurant guest can tell you of a time when a particular individual made their experience exceptional,” said Susan Cohen, SCRLA’s new President and CEO. “Recognizing the true stars of our industry, who daily exemplify the meaning of hospitality through their professionalism and service, is one of the highlights of our year.” 

This year’s awards finalists are listed below.

Community-Based Award winners include:

Hospitality Educator of the Year

Bill Twaler • Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center

Hospitality Supplier of the Year

SpotOn

Outstanding Community Service Program (<5 locations)
Haydn Shaak • Restaurant 17 and Hotel Domestique

Outstanding Community Service Program (>5 locations)
Ryan Larson • SERG Restaurant Group

Outstanding Community Event - Midlands Area Vaccination Clinic for Hospitality Employees
Blue Marlin
Lovelace Family Medicine, P.A.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Rising Star

Qiah Hernandez • Lazy Goat/Table 301 Apprenticeship

Our Stars of the Industry finalists include:

Hotelier of the Year

Jason Price • Pinnacle Partnership
Yatish Patel • Sycamore Investment Group

Lodging Manager of the Year

Jana Medlin • Wingate by Wyndham Columbia/Lexington

Chris Osborne • Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center

Lodging Front of House Employee of the Year

Bryan Hernandez • Wentworth Mansion

Delphine Holden • IMIC Hotels

Lodging Heart of House Employee of the Year

Rosa Fonseca • Sheraton Myrtle Beach

Telly West • North Charleston Marriott

Hotel Chef of the Year

Fernando Coppola • AC by Marriott Hotel Greenville

Restaurateur of the Year

Michael Ivey • Rick Erwin Dining Group
Bob Munnich • Dray Bar and Grill & 1800 Drayton Catering and Events

Restaurant Manager of the Year

Natasha Cline • Southern888 LLC

Lucas Haramut • Soby’s New South Cuisine

Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year

Nichelle Torres • Rick Erwin Dining Group

Sydney Lopez • Market on Main

Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year

James Glenn • Hilton Greenville

Tierra Locklear • Greenville Country Club

Restaurant Bartender of the Year

Ben Fleming • Heirloom – A Milltown Eatery

Kelsey Bundy • Market on Main

Restaurant Chef of the Year

Adam Cooke • Topsoil Restaurant

Robin Hinton • Lucy Buffet’s LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach

Outstanding Certified Sommelier

Hernan Martinez • Hampton Street Vineyard

Tori Whittenberg • Ruth’s Chris Steak House

All finalists will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the hospitality industry on stage at the gala in February. More information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.scrla.org.

Tickets are $75 for SCRLA members and $100 for non-members.

• Hospitality Educator of the Year
• Hospitality Supplier of the Year
• Outstanding Community Service Program
• Outstanding Community Leaders in the Public and Private Sectors
• Hotelier of the Year
• Lodging Manager of the Year
• Lodging Front of House Employee of the Year
• Lodging Heart of House Employee of the Year
• Hotel Bartender of the Year
• Hotel Chef of the Year
• Restaurateur of the Year
• Restaurant Manager of the Year
• Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year
• Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year
• Restaurant Bartender of the Year
• Restaurant Chef of the Year
• Outstanding Certified Sommelier

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.