Recognizing Excellence: Oklahoma’s Hospitality Stars Honored

Oklahoma City, OK., November 4, 2024— The Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) honored over 75 of Oklahoma’s top food service talent at the 25th Anniversary celebration of its Hirst Hospitality Awards.
 
The event took place at The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City on November 4, where over two hundred and fifty restaurant industry professionals attended to celebrate the outstanding contributions of the 2024 Hirst Hospitality Awards honorees.
 
"Oklahoma's hospitality industry truly shines, and the ORA takes great pride in the last twenty-five years of acknowledging the incredible talent within it," expressed James Leewright, President and CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. "Their dedication and enthusiasm make it effortless to honor these distinguished professionals as worthy recipients."
 
The ORA’s two most prestigious awards - the Distinguished Service Award and the Distinguished Industry Leadership Award - were presented at this year's ceremony. These two distinguished awards represent the highest distinctions given out annually by the ORA, celebrating careers defined by outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the state's hospitality industry.
 
The 2024 Distinguished Service Award was bestowed to Brandon Kistler, Area Partner of Hal Smith Restaurants. Brandon has dedicated 33 years to the food service industry 27 of which have been with Hal Smith Restaurants. This award is presented to an exceptional individual who has dedicated their career to the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality through their outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication, they have consistently set a standard of excellence and making a lasting impact in their field.
 
“Brandon’s commitment to this industry and commitment to the Oklahoma market is really profound” said David Brauckmann, CEO of the Hal Smith Restaurant Group “He has proven to surround himself with people that get the job done.”
 
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association’s Distinguished Industry Leadership Award is given to an exemplary member of the restaurant community who has demonstrated significant leadership and set high standards of excellence. Through their leadership and meaningful contributions, these individuals have made a lasting impact on the industry and strengthened the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.
 
This year’s dual recipients are Hank Kraft and Mike Rogers of Hal Smith Restaurants. These two extraordinary individuals are pivotal figures in Oklahoma's culinary landscape employing more than 6,000 team members and overseeing more than 100 concepts/locations. Through Hank’s leadership of the ORA Governmental Affairs Committee, and Mike’s support of the ORA Golf Classic they've had an impact on ORA advocacy efforts and events. Together they’ve also driven the success of Oklahoma ProStart which is the industry’s connection to education and offering high school students crucial industry exposure and experiences. Their mentorship bridges education with real-world experience, instilling valuable skills in aspiring culinary professionals.
 
"I feel incredibly lucky to have these two individuals, whom I see as one," said Hal Smith. "Together, we've achieved so many amazing things."
 
Honorees from more than 20 restaurants were given a commemorative gift and were eligible for more than $2,000 in raffle prizes and cash awards. Additionally, a $1,000 cash prize was presented to Honoree Jennifer Kindred from Musashi’s Japanese Steakhouse.
 
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 Lance McDaniel, Owner McDaniel Entertainment, highlighted distinguished vintner, Dr. Madaiah Revana of Revana Family Vineyard, as the featured guest through Thirst Wine Merchants.
25th Anniversary Partners included 110 Events; Ben E. Keith Company; Bryan Close; Dr. Pepper; ECOLAB; GoFresh; McGregor Insurance Group; Premium Brands; Thirst Wine Merchants; Republic National Distributing Company; Shake Rattle & Roll; The Skirvin Hilton Hotel; 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 4,000 restaurants and members, the ORA actively monitors legislation and regulatory agencies; helps foodservice management develop and strengthen business; and develops the membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually.
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