ORA Recognizes Local Restaurant Industry Talent at 2025 Hirst Awards

Distinguished Industry Leadership Award
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association's Distinguished Industry Leadership Award recognizes an exemplary member of the restaurant community who has demonstrated significant leadership and excellence. Through their leadership and meaningful contributions, these individuals have made a lasting impact on the industry and strengthened the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.

The 2025 Distinguished Industry Leadership Award was presented to Elliot Nelson, Founder and CEO of McNellie's Group, who has dedicated 21 years to the food service industry.
"One thing I really appreciate about Elliott was during COVID when rules were changing and people were hurting- Elliott helped the ORA to lead the charge," said Sig Brown. "He met with regulators multiple times per week, advocating for ORA members, competitors, and anyone from the state who needed help."

Distinguished Service Award
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association’s Distinguished Service Award honors an outstanding individual who has devoted 15 or more years to a career in the restaurant, foodservice, or hospitality industry. More than a measure of longevity, this award recognizes their steadfast commitment to their employer’s success, and their exceptional service, professionalism, and dedication. Through consistently going above and beyond, they have set a standard of excellence and left a lasting impact on their field.
 
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Derrick Shanklin, Chief Operating Officer, Events at Summit Club, who has dedicated eight years to the Summit Club.
"Derrick is a natural born servant leader," said Jared Jordan, CEO of the Summit Club & Tulsa Country Club. "His service doesn't just extend to the ultimate customer. Derrick's service to the organization, to his staff, to his coworkers is the thing that makes Derrick such a fantastic leader. He always has time for anyone who works for him."
Proceeds from the Hirst Hospitality Awards support the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation and these funds support the restaurant community in the form of scholarships to students engaged in culinary, restaurant management, and hospitality-related studies.
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The program, emceed by Blake Thompson, General Manager The Ellison Hotel, and Kyle Fleischfresser, Owner The Hutch,  highlighted distinguished vintner, Ben Casteel of Bethel Heights Vineyard, as the featured guest through Thirst Wine Merchants.

Partners included 110 Events; Ben E. Keith Company; Bryant Close; Dr. Pepper; ECOLAB; encore; GoFresh; McGregor Insurance Group; Premium Brands; Thirst Wine Merchants; Republic National Distributing Company; Shake Rattle & Roll; The Skirvin Hilton Hotel; Superior Linen Service and US Foods.

Founded in 1933, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association is the trade association of restaurants and foodservice operations, the state's largest private industry employer. Representing more than 4,500 restaurants and members, the ORA actively monitors legislation and regulatory agencies; helps foodservice owners and management develop and strengthen business operations; and inspires membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually.