GRAND RAPIDS – JJ Caldwell from the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Northville won this year’s top award from the Michigan Restaurant Association for going above and beyond to create a fun, hospital environment for guests, the award reads.

Caldwell took home the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year on April 27 at the Association’s Dinner with the Champions event, held on April 27 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.

The Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year resulted in a tie. Elliot Webb from Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Bloomfield Hills, and Joe Marsalese, from Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille in Caledonia, will share the award this year. Webb worked his way from a novice fry cook to gifted executive chef, never compromising on quality or standards and showing gratitude by providing his team an environment to grow and learn, just as he did. Marsalese gives the next generation of restaurateurs a good name, striving to lead by selfless example.

The Restaurant Manager of the Year is Lea Schofield from Bill’s in Bloomfield Hills. Schofield provides world-class service to guests and is a well-respected leader to employees, treating both as if they are guests in her own home.
 

 

“Anyone who has worked in a restaurant will tell you that it’s not easy work,” said Brian DeBano, president and CEO of the MRA. “Restaurant employees are hard workers, and these important awards put a well-deserved spotlight on the thousands of people in the state making a living in Michigan’s restaurants. I commend JJ, Elliot, Joe, and Lea for their dedication and outstanding performance.”