2010
Aristides "Arty" Abariotis Restaurateur, Spaghetti Works and Mr. Toads
Donald R. Everett, Sr. Restaurateur, Runza
Denis J. Hall Restaurateur, Fernando’s Café & Cantina
Andrea "Andy" Hoig Friend of Industry, MetroMAGAZINE
Brian O'Malley Educator,Metropolitan Community College
Stephen H. Simon Purveyor, Omaha Steaks
Aristides "Arty" Abariotis
Restaurateur, Spaghetti Works and Mr. Toads
Arty Abariotes became a part of the Omaha hospitality industry by partnering with Rusty Harmsen to open Mr. Toad’s in the Old Market. The duo later established Spaghetti Works Restaurant as well as Gallagher’s Restaurant. Spaghetti Works eventually expanded to Lincoln, Ralston and Des Moines. Even as a silent partner in these operations, he was a great influence to many young people involved in the hospitality industry.
Donald R. Everett, Sr.
Restaurateur, Runza
Don Everett opened his first Runza Restaurant in Lincoln in 1966. With Everett’s guidance, Runza has grown to a company with 79 locations with annual sales of $60 million. Everett and Runza are highly involved in education and civic responsibilities in Nebraska.
Denis J. Hall
Restaurateur, Fernando’s Café & Cantina
While in Vietnam, Hall opened a restaurant that was only open two hours a day. This, in turn, started a career with many moves that led him back to Omaha. Fernando’s was opened in 1993. Over the past few years, Hall has served as an officer or board member for the Omaha Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Restaurant Association.
Andrea "Andy" Hoig
Friend of Industry, MetroMAGAZINE
Andy Hoig has been a strong supporter of the hospitality industry for over 20 years. As the owner and publisher of metroMAGAZINE, Ms. Hoig and her publications have featured and photographed local restaurants, chefs and the community’s culinary enterprises and their fundraising events since 1990.
Brian O'Malley
Educator,Metropolitan Community College
Brian O’Malley is a Chef Instructor at Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for the Culinary Arts. Since joining MCC in 2003, O’Malley has played a key role in the development and growth of the Culinary Arts program, contributing in the areas of teaching, marketing and compliance.
Stephen H. Simon
Purveyor, Omaha Steaks
Steve Simon and his brothers were inspired to build the Omaha Steaks Company to become a world-class processor of meat products. Simon is most remembered for his contribution to the food service industry by establishing customers across the United States.