April 6, 2002
FRED TIBBITTS’
ANNUAL AWARDS BRINGS OUT THE BEST
In The Food & Beverage Industries
New York, NY –
In typical “who’s
who,” stylish New York City tradition, the
Fred Tibbitts 2002 Hospitality Awards for Excellence
were announced on Thursday evening, April 4, to invited friends, guests,
dignitaries, and sponsors at the landmark “Union League Club,” in New York
City. The Awards will be presented at the Union League Club on Tuesday 12
November during the New York International Hotel & Restaurant Show
The
Sixth Annual Fred Tibbitts & Associates “Spring Evening in New York with Very,
Very Special Friends,” black-tie dinner honored the following:
·
Literary Award for Excellence –
Roger J. Friedman, president of Lebhar-Friedman, Inc. (National Restaurant News)
·
Supplier Award for Excellence – Ken
Ruff, vice president of national accounts (Future Brands LLC)
·
Hospitality Award for Excellence –
Gerard Van Grinsven, vice president of operations / pre-opening (The
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company)
Quoting Tibbitts, “These three recipients define excellence; that is, ladies and
gentlemen servicing ladies and gentlemen. As a result of these awards and in
their honor, there will be three scholarships given to hospitality students at
Johnson and Wales University.”
Commenting on his upcoming Award, Gerard Van Grinsven, who is responsible for
opening 20 Ritz Carltons in the last five years, humbly confided, “The past is
the past, and you can’t control the future. Control today and listen to the
customer, who knows what’s best for us. I don’t deserve this award; my people
do. And, behind every man there’s a magnificent woman. Without my staff and
family, I wouldn’t be here. This really belongs to them.”
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