WASHINGTON (WTNH) — Two people from Connecticut were honored at the 2025 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards on Tuesday.
The event honored four individuals from across the country who are strengthening communities across the industry, according to the Connecticut Restaurant Association, including the co-owner of Bear’s Smokehouse and the co-owner of BeanZ & Co. in Avon.
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Jamie McDonald of Bear’s Smokehouse was awarded the My Journey Award. Kim Morrison of BeanZ & Co. in Avon was awarded the Inclusion Innovator Award.
The event was hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to recognize individuals across various categories who celebrate career-building for people of all backgrounds, including investment in local communities.
The NRAEF has named a $2,500 scholarship after each award winner, which will support a student pursuing a post-secondary degree in the food service industry.
“To have two out of four of these national award winners hail from Connecticut is an incredible
achievement, and should be taken as a moment of immense pride for our entire state,” Scott Dolch said, the president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association.
More information about the awards ceremony can be found here.
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