Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and founder of Shake Shack will be awarded the Torch Award at the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York in March.
The Torch Award, honors restaurateurs who exhibit the characteristics of the Torch, which includes illumination, energy, joy, victory, enlightenment, hope and education.
“On behalf of Urban Expositions, event producers, we are thrilled to recognize Danny Meyer with this award which recognizes his commitment to driving innovation and hospitality in the restaurant community,” says Ron Mathews, vice president, Urban Expositions Family of Foodservice Events. “Meyer joins previous Torch Award Winners Thomas Keller, Chef and Proprietor, The Thomas Keller Restaurant Group; and Drew Nieporent, founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group.”
Ferdinand Metz, master chef, praises Meyer for his forward-thinking menus and presence in the industry.
“Since the start of his career 30 years ago, Meyer has launched a number of highly successful restaurants with locations throughout the country, and is an exemplary leader in the restaurant industry,” says Ferdinand Metz, master chef. “We are thrilled to present Danny with this prestigious award for his commitment to the industry, his teams, the public they serve and the communities they support.”
Union Square Hospitality Group consists of Union Square Cafe, Gramercy tavern, Blue Smoke, jazz Standard, The Modern, Maialino, Untitled, North End Grill, Marta Prochlight, Union Square Events, and Hospitality Quotient. Meyer has earned 28 James Beard Awards, and was listed as TIME’s top 100 list of Most Influential People in the World. Meyer also serves on the board of Share Our Strength, and has been active in supporting other hunger relief programs such as City Harvest, God’s Love We Deliver, and Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger.
“Danny Meyer and Union Square Hospitality Group have enhanced the New York restaurant scene tremendously by setting a high bar for food and service across many dining segments,” says Melissa Fleischut, president, New York State Restaurant Association. “We are proud to count them among our members, and add our congratulations”.
The TORCH Award will be given on Monday, March 6, 2017. The presentation will occur in the Culinary Demonstration Theater, and will be followed by an interview with Danny Meyer and Ferdinand Metz, certified master chef and former president of culinary institute of America.
