The Association of Catering Excellence (ACE) announced the winner of the 2019 ACE Robyns Award, which is sponsored by Troika, at its annual summer party held at Kings Place, London on Wednesday 10 July.
Rebecca Armstrong, Operations Manager for The Genuine Dining Company was declared the overall winner in front of over 200 hospitality guests.
She has responsibility for 8 sites around London, training and developing 40 members of staff and working closely with her managers to increase revenue and encourage creativity.
Managing Director, Chris Mitchell picked up Armstrong’s award on her behalf as she was unable to be at the event.
Sales & Marketing Director, Danielle Mitchell said, “We are all thrilled for Rebecca. She was shortlisted last year, and has done so much in the last year, implementing new schemes and setting up charity initiatives. We’re a tribe with different personalities, but crucially common goals, and I know this will mean a lot to the whole team and our clients.”
In second place was Liam Hatcher from CH&Co., and because there was such a high standard of entries this year, Emma Abruzzese from Vacherin and Charlotte Rouse from BaxterStorey were both highly commended.
Tim Jones, Joint Founder of CH&Co with his late wife Robyn, was one of the judges and said, “As with last year we had some tremendous entries, making our job of drawing up a shortlist very difficult as many were particularly inspiring, demonstrating the drive and initiative that Robyn was well-known for.
'I would like to congratulate all of the entrants. I know that Robyn would have been very pleased with the winner and with the success of the awards. She would be very humbled that these awards continue in her name.”
Armstrong will receive an overnight stay, including dinner and breakfast in bed at the brand new Standard London which opens the day after the Robyns Award ceremony. She will also receive the Robyns Trophy and lifetime membership of ACE.
Runner-up Liam Hatcher from CH&Co will receive Afternoon Tea at Adam Handling’s restaurant with bottomless Lallier champagne for two.
Both Armstrong and Hatcher will be invited to sit on the Board for the next year to ensure ACE considers the needs of the younger generation as it evolves. The two highly commended finalists, (Emma Abruzzese, Vacherin and Charlotte Rouse, BaxterStorey) will be invited to join ACE members at their prestigious charity dinner in 2020.
Gaye Bullard, the outgoing Chair of ACE, said, “Now in its fourth year, the ACE Robyns is evolving and growing. This year, we’ve gained a fascinating glimpse into the daily work lives of our finalists through Instagram takeovers of the ACE account, and have featured video clips on our twitter and facebook feeds.
'We are delighted to have had 4 ACE Robyns finalists on the ACE Board to keep that talent involved in the future of our events, and are looking forward to welcoming Bee and Liam.”
The judges were Gaye Bullard, Chair of ACE; Tim Jones, Founder, CH&Co.; Suzie Boyd, Director, Troika; Sue Thompson, Vice Chair of ACE; chaired by Vic Laws, MBE.
The ACE Robyns Award 2019 is sponsored by Troika, a recruitment company specialising in senior managerial, director and board level appointments across the hospitality industry delivering assignments for clients within contract catering, hotels, venues, branded restaurants , fine dining and emerging concepts.