FOCUS Brands, Inc., a leading developer of global, multi-channel food service brands, announced today that Paul Damico, Group President of Restaurants, is a finalist for the 2015 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards. Damico was nominated for the “Restaurateur of the Year” award in the Large/Corporate category by a distinguished jury of his peers from across the foodservice industry. Winners are determined by the GRACE Academy, which consists of all past GRACE nominees and current GRA Board Members, and will be announced at the GRACE Awards Gala in November.
Prior to being named Group President, Damico served as President of Moe’s Southwest Grill for seven years, where he was instrumental in leading the brand through significant change and growth. He has since used his strong skills in strategic thinking and tactical precision to help fuel the Company’s continued advancement, leading growth and development strategies for FOCUS Brands family of restaurants, including Schlotzsky’s Bakery & Café, McAlister’s Deli and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
“Paul has been truly dedicated to building Moe’s through his commitment to leadership within the brand, company and community,” said FOCUS Brands CEO Steve DeSutter. “This recognition is well deserved and demonstrates the outstanding contributions Paul has made to Georgia’s restaurant industry through his continued work building exemplary restaurant brands.”
Finalists from all categories will be recognized at the GRACE Awards annual black-tie gala event on November 1, 2015. During the event, winners for Restaurateur of the Year (Small/Independent, Franchisee, Large/Corporate), Industry Partner of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award will be announced. Additional information about the GRACE Awards can be found at http://web.garestaurants.org/events/9th-Annual-GRACE-Awards-Gala-3/details
Atlanta-based FOCUS Brands Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 4,000 ice cream shoppes, bakeries, restaurants and cafes in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 60 foreign countries under the brand names Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and McAlister’s Deli, as well as Seattle’s Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets. Visit www.focusbrands.com to learn more.
