Wilsonville, Oregon (PRWEB) July 31, 2015
Three members of Oregon’s foodservice and lodging industry have been selected for the 2015 Hospitality Industry Awards as announced by Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA). Dave A. Burnett (Oswego Grill Restaurants and Copper River Restaurant & Bar) was named Restaurateur of the Year; Masudur Khan (Inn at Seaside, River Inn at Seaside, and City Center Motel) was named Lodging Operator of the Year; and Nicky USA was named Associate Member of the Year.
The recipients of the statewide awards will be recognized among their peers and over 350 delegates of ORLA’s Convention during the Hospitality Industry Awards Dinner on October 4, 2015.
“Oregon’s hospitality industry is brimming with individuals who contribute significantly to the health of the trade,” says Steve McCoid, president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “These winners represent not only some of our industry’s most dedicated leaders and advocates, but also the exemplary service that sets the high standard for the entire industry to achieve.”
Restaurateur of the Year: After 24 years with Pacific Coast Restaurants, Dave Burnett created Crossroads Restaurant Group, and in 2009 opened the first of two Oswego Grill restaurants in Lake Oswego. In April of 2015, he opened his second concept, Copper River Restaurant & Bar in Hillsboro. The success of his three restaurants is testament to the high standards he has set for service and quality paired with an exceptional team of employees. Burnett demonstrates leadership within his organization by investing time and resources for staff training, along with continued encouragement, mentorship and passion for the job.
Lodging Operator of the Year: Masudur Khan has made a name for himself as a savvy businessman and leader in the Seaside community these past few years. He has owned and managed the Inn at Seaside since 2009, where his focus on the guest experience has created a very hospitable and memorable environment for guests. After acquiring the City Center Motel in 2014 and undergoing a major upgrade, Khan built a new property, the River Inn at Seaside. The property has not only boosted local employment, but also increased revenues by 50 percent in its first year and bumped Trip Advisor rankings into the top ten.
Associate of the Year: As a company committed to sustainably raised game, Nicky USA has grown to be the Northwest’s leading butcher and producer of the highest quality game birds and meats, organic, natural and mainstream meats. The company’s philosophy seeks for opportunities to enhance the public's culinary education and “titillate their palate with exquisite game.” Nicky USA demonstrates both a commitment to promoting the industry and caring for the land with their sustainable practices.
For more information on the Hospitality Industry Awards, visit http://www.OregonRLA.org/Awards or ORLA’s Convention, visit http://www.OregonRLA.org/Convention or call 800.462.0619. For press inquiries regarding the Hospitality Industry Awards, please contact Lori Little, communications manager, at 503.682.4422.
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The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 9,000 foodservice locations and 2,200 lodging establishments with a workforce of 164,800, and a total economic impact of $8 billion - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. The association works to advocate, protect, train and promote the foodservice and lodging industry.
