Jim Fair
Jason Clark, center, owner of BIN112 received one of the biggest ovations as recipient of the Restaurateur of the Year in the Upstate. Stan Coster, Vice President of Ballentine Equipment, right, nominated Clark.
Jim Fair
Jason Clark displays a plate that symbolizes landmarks in the Upstate. Clark was honored for the best of the best Restaurateur of the Year for his fine dining restaurant BIN112.
Jim Fair
There were 12 recipients of the Upstate Hospitality Awards presented by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Jim Fair
Jason Clark's family attended the Upstate Hospitality Awards ceremony at the Marriott on the Parkway. Left to right: father, Banks, mother, Anne, Jason, and his wife, Anne.
"Jason is dedicated to great food, a clean kitchen and provides the best experience to customers he would expect for himself," said Douglas O'Flaherty, Director of Operations for the S.C. Hospitality Association.
Clark was among 12 award winners that automatically qualify for state honors.
D.J. Rama, president of JHM Hotels, was the keynote speaker.
Clark's wife, Lori, and parents, Banks and Anne, attended the ceremony at the Marriott on the Parkway.
Clark prepared a speech he permitted GreerToday.com to publish.
"I am so pleased to win Restaurateur of the Year. Receiving this award is such an amazing honor.
"I never thought we would win such an honor, let alone be here with other great restaurateurs. It's been an awesome experience.
"But it wasn't just working hard that made this possible. I wouldn't be here getting this award without the blood, sweat and tears of my staff and the love from our great customers and community around us.
"I'd like to thank Mom and Dad for always being there and encouraging me, my wife, Lori, for pushing me, and great friends like Stan Coster that answer the phone for my equipment problems at all times of the day.
"I couldn't have done this by myself. It took my entire team to do so."
Upstate Hospitality Award Winners of the Year
Hotel Front of the House Employee
Ruby White, Courtyard by Marriott
Hotel Heart of the House Employee
Mary Franklin, Holiday Inn Express
Hotel Manager
Kim Tolbert, Candlewood Suites
Hotelier
Euan McGlashan, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Bartender
Ashley Wright, Soby’s New South Café
Restaurant Front of the House Employee
Elizabeth Barton, Rick’s Deli and Market
Restaurant Heart of the House Employee
Kerri Higgins, Giatu Restaurant at the Marriott Greenville
Restaurant Manager
Karen Hall, California Dreaming
Restaurateur
Jason Clark, BIN112
Hospitality Supplier
Chandler Griffith, BB&T Insurance
Community Service Award (Company)
JHM Hotels
Community Service Award (Individual)
John Nolan, Greenville History Tours