Katie Gerber, Communications & Engagement Manager, Connecticut Restaurant Association.
By Katie Gerber, Communications and Engagement Manager
The CRAZIES returned to Foxwoods Resort Casino on Dec. 8, hosting a sold-out crowd of 1,500 industry professionals! Hosted by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, the awards celebrate the restaurant and hospitality industry, recognizing the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s hospitality community. With the help of a panel of industry experts and over 20,000 online public votes, the CRA honored 21 coveted award winners from across the state. A gallery of winners will showcase all the talented teams in the February edition of this magazine.
The 2025 Award Winners are:
Overall and County Restaurant of the Year Awards, presented by Sysco
• Litchfield County: Community Table in New Preston
• Fairfield County: Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien
• Hartford County: Le Mazet in West Hartford
• New Haven County: Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven
• Tolland County: Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland
• Middlesex County: Grano Arso in Chester
• Windham County: ANYA in Thompson
• New London County: Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington
• The overall winner who was named 2025 Connecticut Restaurant of the Year went to Community Table, earning the award over the other seven county winners and 32 total finalists.
Chef of the Year, presented by Performance Foodservice
Ashley Flagg from The Laurel in West Hartford. Flagg took home the top chef award over a stellar class of finalists, which also included – Ryan Carbone, Ore Hill & Swyft (Kent); Bolivar Hilario, Community Table (New Preston); Johan Jensen, Whitecrest Eatery (Stonington); and Christian Wilki, The Cottage (Greenwich/Westport).
Restaurant Newcomer presented by Toast
Bar Bushido in Norwalk
Caterer of the Year presented by Powerstation Events
Riverhouse Catering in Haddam
NEW Awards for 2025:
The Service Team of the Year presented by Eder Goodman and Slocum & Sons, which went to The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, and the Bar & Beverage Team of the Year presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc. went to I Know You Know in New Britain, over a stellar class of finalists, which also included – Ryan Carbone, Ore Hill & Swyft (Kent); Bolivar Hilario, Community Table (New Preston); Johan Jensen, Whitecrest Eatery (Stonington); and Christian Wilki, The Cottage (Greenwich/Westport).
Pastry Chef of the Year presented by Clover
Julien Tessier from Julien’s Farm Store in Granby
People’s Choice presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino
Dew Drop Inn in Derby
Vendor of the Year presented by Pullman & Comley
Athletic Brewing Company in Milford
In addition to the voted award winners, the Connecticut Restaurant Association recognized Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta as the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year presented by US Foods. With eight locations across the state, Esaul has one of the largest full service Mexican restaurant concepts in Connecticut. He and his team are dedicated to elevating the public’s mindset of Mexican cuisine, especially with his special Vida dinner series at his Stamford location.
Spartan Restaurant & Bar in Waterbury and Willimantic Brewing Company in Willimantic were both inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame presented by GoNation. Connecticut’s Chief Marketing Officer – Anthony M. Anthony was recognized as the Friend of the Industry presented by RATIONAL USA for his dedication and commitment to Connecticut’s tourism industry.
Interested in learning more about CRA and member benefits? Simply visit us at ctrestaurant.org.
