1999

Mary J. Andersen    Educator, Omaha Public Schools
Josephus "Joe" Howard    Chef, Kiewit Plaza Club
Frank Kawa    Owner, Manager and Director, Johnny's Cafe
Louis J. Rotella Sr.   Purveyor, Rotella's Italian Bakery

Andersen, Mary JMary J. Andersen
Educator, Omaha Public Schools 

She earned a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Administration and was a certified director from the American School Food Service Association. She held many positions in the American School Food Service Association and was a member of the Purchasing Standards Task Force and National Food Service Management Institute. She held leadership positions on the Education Award Dairy Council of Central States and received a scholarship award from the Nebraska Soybean Association. She was chairman of the Nebraska Advisory Council of Commodity Distribution.

 


Howard, Josephus 'Joe'Josephus "Joe" Howard
Chef, Kiewit Plaza Club 

His professional career began in New Orleans at the world-renowned Commander's Palace Grill, Patera's and the Maple Hill. Peter Kiewit dined at the Maple Hill and offered him the Executive Chef position at the then newly-built Kiewit Plaza Club. He received formal training in culinary arts while served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was Vice President of the American Institute of Chefs and a member of the Omaha Culinary Association. He also worked at the Highland Country Club, Nasr's Golden Spur and E.J.'s in Omaha.

 

 


Kawa, FrankFrank Kawa
Owner, Manager and Director, Johnny's Cafe

He owned and operated nationally known Johnny's Café. He learned to cook in the military service, was a member of the Omaha Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Restaurant Service and was active in the Kiwanis Club of Omaha, South Omaha Merchants Association and the Knights of Columbus. The Kawa family continues to operate Johnny's Cafe.

 

 


Rotella, Lous John SrLouis J. Rotella Sr.
Purveyor, Rotella's Italian Bakery

Rotella's is nationally recognized by the baking and restaurant industry. He was recognized as the American Italian of the Year (1973 and 1986), President of Santa Lucia (1986) and a member of the Omaha Restaurant Association, Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, Santa Lucia Committee, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. He was awarded the City of La Vista's Citizen's Certificate of Merit (1996) and the Omaha Restaurant Association's Purveyor of the Year (1984).