Connecticut Restaurant Association | Hartford, CT
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        • Restaurant Ready
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      • 2023 ProStart Boot Camp
      • October Baking Challenge 2023
      • 2023 CT ProStart Invitational
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        • Restaurants: ProStart Weekend 2023
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CRAzies Awards Categories & Descriptions


​Chef of the Year
​Best chef in Connecticut.  A Connecticut chef whose work exemplifies excellence and sets new or consistent industry standards and who serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.

Restaurateur of the Year
​Best hands-on restaurant owner or managing partner who sets high standards for operation, entrepreneurship, and serves as inspiration to other food service professionals.

Pastry Chef of the Year
​Best Pastry Chef in Connecticut.  A Connecticut pastry chef whose work sets new or consistent industry standards and who serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. (Note: This award alternates biannually with Baker of the Year)

Server of the Year
​Best server in Connecticut. Demonstrates outstanding service, high standards in hospitality and serves as a model employee.

Bartender of the Year
​Best bartender in Connecticut.  Demonstrates excellence in cocktails, spirits, beer and wine service.

Caterer of the Year
Best caterer in Connecticut.  A Connecticut caterer who sets the standard for excellence and hospitality.

Vendor of the Year (not voted on by public)
​​A business providing a product or service to the restaurant or food service industry and exemplifying continued commitment to superior quality, service & support.

Restaurant Newcomer
​Best NEW restaurant in Connecticut. Displays excellence in food, beverage, service and atmosphere and likely to make a positive impact on the CT restaurant scene. Must have been in business for at least 6 months and less than 2 years.

Restaurant of the Year
​​A Connecticut restaurant that consistently demonstrates quality and excellence in food, service and atmosphere, while making a positive impact in the community
  • Restaurant of the Year - Hartford County
  • Restaurant of the Year - Tolland County
  • Restaurant of the Year - New Haven County
  • Restaurant of the Year - Middlesex County
  • Restaurant of the Year - Windham County
  • Restaurant of the Year - New London County
  • Restaurant of the Year - Litchfield County
  • Restaurant of the Year - Fairfield County

Hospitality Hall of Fame
​A Connecticut restaurant in business for 25 years or more, with consistently high standards of hospitality and service, and widely considered an iconic dining destination.

Friend of the Industry (not voted on by public)
An individual and/or organization that works to protect our industry and provide added support for its future growth.

People's Choice
​​Your favorite restaurant, dining establishment or local hotspot in Connecticut. Open to full range of dining concepts, restaurant types and diversity of cuisines. 
Copyright Connecticut Restaurant Association
100 Great Meadow Road Suite 100
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: 860-278-8008
Email: info@ctrestaurant.org

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  • Advocacy
    • Government Affairs
    • Government Relations Team
    • Resources & Information
    • Sign Up for CRA Alerts
  • About Us
    • Leadership & Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • CRA Prime Partners
  • Members
    • Join the CRA
    • Why Become a CRA Member
    • Request More Info
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Exclusive Savings
    • #CTCRAvings
    • Healthcare >
      • Member Exclusive Healthcare Programs
    • CRA Membership Webinar
    • Allied Membership >
      • Allied Membership Tiers
      • Allied Member Profile Updates
      • Allied Member Directory
      • 10 Ways to Leverage Your Allied Membership Today
    • Member Directory
    • Allied Member Directory
    • CRA Prime Partners
    • Member Portal
  • ServSafe & Industry Training
    • ServSafe Manager & Food Safety >
      • ServSafe Manager ONLINE
      • ServSafe Manager In-Person Classes
      • ServSafe Food Handler
      • ServSafe Allergen
    • ServSafe Workplace >
      • Sexual Harassment Prevention
      • Unconscious Bias Training
    • ServSafe Alcohol
    • ServSafe FAQ
    • ServSafe COVID Resources
    • Food Safety Regulations
  • Foundation
    • Careers >
      • Workforce Development >
        • Restaurant Ready
        • Apprenticeships
        • Culinary Student Work Sites Application
    • CHEF News: What's Cookin?
    • ProStart >
      • 2023 ProStart Boot Camp
      • October Baking Challenge 2023
      • 2023 CT ProStart Invitational
      • What is ProStart?
      • ProStart FAQs
      • ProStart Weekend 2023 >
        • Restaurants: ProStart Weekend 2023
    • Relief Funds >
      • CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund
      • CT Restaurant Relief Fund
    • Scholarships
    • Support CHEF >
      • Sponsors
      • Sponsorships 2023-24
    • Get Involved
  • Events
    • CRA Events Calendar
    • CRA Events
    • 2023 CRAzies Awards Gala - December 4 >
      • CRAziesAwards.com
    • 2023 CRA Annual Golf Classic >
      • 2023 CRA Golf Classic Farm Dinner
    • 2023 CRA Night at the Capitol
    • 2023 Wage & Compliance Seminars
    • 2023 ProStart Invitational (March 1)
    • 2023 ProStart Weekend (March 1-5)
    • Community Events Calendar
  • Directory
    • Job Board
    • Member Directory
    • Allied Member Directory
    • Contact Us
    • Email Archive
    • Gift Certificate Program