MONTGOMERY, AL-The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) presented Rufus Young, a server of the Original Oyster House, the Spirit Award at this year’s Stars of the Industry. The 20th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner was held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa on Monday, November 2, 2020. Buster Burns, lead server of the Original Oyster House, was a state finalist for the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year Award and the Original Oyster House was a state finalist for the Humanitarian Award.
The Stars awards, which honored Alabama’s lodging, tourism, and restaurant industry, recognized those who have demonstrated excellence and serve as an inspiration to others. The awards are peer-nominated and winners are selected by the Stars committee and ARHA’s board of directors. There were over 100 nominations submitted statewide.
“Rufus was presented the last award of the evening,” said Jim Harrison, general manager of the Original Oyster House on the Mobile Causeway. “Many of this year’s winners had years of service experience in the industry. Rufus may have been one of the youngest to be recognized but he is a standout. Our patrons rave about his service and charismatic spirit. He lives our mission of exceeding customer’s expectations and we couldn’t be more proud to have him on our team,” stated Harrison.
While presenting the Spirit Award, Emcee Eunice Elliot shared, “A week doesn’t go by without someone writing how outstanding and authentic Rufus is especially when pointing out his favorite menu items. A favorite among managers because of his amiable attitude, Rufus readily picks up shifts and events to help out. His co-workers attest to his work ethic and he uplifts everyone with positive energy.”
The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Gulf Shores Parkway on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. Both locations offer spectacular waterfront views and have been celebrated as the area’s finest family restaurants for the past 37 years. For more information about the Original Oyster House, please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call 251-928-2620.
The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s is a non-profit corporation, dedicated to serve the needs of the foodservice hospitality industry in the state of Alabama. The Association provides educational programs, membership services, legislative and government relations, informational services, and promotes the industry for its members. For more information visit www.arhaonline.com.
ARHA honored 23 Stars of the Industry at an awards dinner ceremony on Mon., Nov. 2, 2020 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa. Pictured from left are ARHA Chairman Bob Omainsky, and Rufus Young, recipient of the Spirit Award.
