Philip J. Hickey, Jr. to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the GRACE Awards
Philip J. Hickey, Jr. to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the GRACE Awards
ATLANTA (Oct. 7, 2025) – The Georgia Restaurant Association is proud to announce that Philip J. Hickey, Jr., a trailblazing leader and innovator in the American restaurant industry, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming GRACE Awards Gala on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Georgia Aquarium. The Lifetime Achievement award is the Georgia Restaurant Association’s highest honor.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Hickey has left an indelible mark on the hospitality landscape through entrepreneurial ventures, transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to the advancement of the industry.
Hickey began his journey in hospitality at Michigan State University, earning a degree in hospitality business and gaining early experience in food service at Shaw Hall. By 29, he co-founded Cooker Bar & Grille, later taking the company public, and went on to co-found Green Hills Grille. His leadership roles have since included president of Rio Bravo Cantina, chairman and CEO of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (parent company of LongHorn Steakhouse, Bugaboo Creek Steak House and The Capital Grille), and chairman of O’Charley’s Inc.
During his tenure at RARE Hospitality, Hickey guided the company’s remarkable growth to more than 300 restaurants, 20,000 employees and a market capitalization increase from $90 million to $1.3 billion, culminating in its acquisition by Darden Restaurants. Today, he continues to serve as chairman of both Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Miller’s Ale House restaurants.
Beyond corporate leadership, Hickey has been a steadfast advocate for the industry. He co-founded the Georgia Restaurant Association, served as chairman of the National Restaurant Association and has supported academic programs at Michigan State University and Georgia State University. His civic involvement includes serving on the boards of the Georgia Restaurant Association, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Georgia Tourism Foundation, and chair of the Jimmy Carter Center Board of Councilors.
Hickey’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the IFMA Gold and Silver Plate awards, the Golden Chain Award from Nation’s Restaurant News, the Elliot Motivator of the Year Award and the Norman (Brinker) Leadership Award.
Outside of the restaurant business, Hickey and Reedy, his wife of 46 years, have demonstrated a profound commitment to family and community. Together, they have raised two children, cherish four grandchildren and have fostered 32 newborns awaiting adoption.
“Phil Hickey is the embodiment of leadership, service and passion for hospitality,” said Stephanie Fischer, president & CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association. “His vision has shaped iconic restaurant brands, his advocacy has strengthened our industry and his generosity has touched countless lives. We are thrilled to honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The GRACE Awards Gala, an inclusive event honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia’s restaurant industry, will take place at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. At the event, winners will be announced for Restaurateur of the Year, Emerging Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, the Georgia on My Mind People's Choice Awards, GRA Hall of Fame, Chairman’s Award, and Lifetime Achievement Honoree.
To learn more about the GRACE Awards or to sponsor and purchase tickets, visit garestaurants.org/GRACE.
About the Georgia Restaurant Association: The Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) mission is to be the trusted source where hospitality owners and operators gain a competitive edge to grow their business and strengthen the hospitality industry in Georgia. The Association is the voice throughout the hospitality industry in Georgia. We provide a statewide platform for collaboration and leadership on advocacy issues, along with valuable resources for our members. As your trusted ally, the GRA empowers hospitality owners to focus on their passion – delivering exceptional dining experiences. With the GRA, Georgia’s restaurants can thrive, evolve and elevate their vital role in the state’s economy and community. For more information, visit www.garestaurants.org.
About the GRACE Awards: The GRACE Awards stands for the Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence Awards. The Awards Gala is an annual event honoring Georgia's restaurant industry. The Awards are peer-nominated and honor the top finalists in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Restaurateur of the Year, Emerging Restaurateur of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, Hospitality Hero of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, 'Georgia On My Mind' People's Choice Awards, and the GRA Hall of Fame. All winners are announced and honored at the event and presented with handcrafted crystal works of art created by world-renowned local artist Hans-Godo Frabel.
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