Regynald Washington selected from IFMA’s 2019 Silver Plate honorees
Regynald Washington, president of Paradies Lagardère dining division, was named Saturday as the 2019 Gold Plate Award recipient by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.
Washington was selected by a judging panel from among IFMA’s 2019 Silver Plate winners during the 65th annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration Saturday during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.
Washington represented the IFMA awards program’s retail and specialty foods division, one of nine categories. The trade association’s awards recognize excellence and achievement in the foodservice industry.
“I’m humbled and extremely honored to be the recipient of this Gold Plate Award,” Washington said. “I’m thrilled to occupy this stage with so many accomplished leaders.”
At the 65th IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards gala, from left: Rodney Taylor, Randy Lait, John Arena, Sam Facchini, Lorna Donatone, Regynald Washington, Beverly Lynch, Peter Cancro, Bill Marks and Don Falgoust.
In addition to Washington, the 2019 Silver Plate awards winners were:
- Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept: Sam Facchini & John Arena, Metro Pizza
- Chain Full Service: Beverly Lynch, Golden Corral
- Chain Limited Service: Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems Inc.
- Health Care: Bill Marks, Hennepin Health
- Elementary & Secondary Schools: Rodney Taylor, Fairfax County Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities: Randy Montgomery Lait, North Carolina State University
- Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Lorna Donatone, Sodexo
- Hotels & Lodging: Don Falgoust, RLJ Lodging Trust
“The 2019 IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Class joins the distinguished history of accomplished winners who have come before them. They have proven the highest levels of excellence, dedication and passion within the industry,” said Larry Oberkfell, IFMA president and CEO, in a statement
In addition to the IFMA awards at the gala event, the National Restaurant Association honored Van Eure, owner of Angus Barn, with its Legends Award; the Specialty Foodservice Association recognized two companies — Angkor Cambodian Food and Element Shrub — with its inaugural Foodservice Innovation Award; and the Women’s Foodservice Forum celebrated The Coca-Cola Co. with its Women In Manufacturing Award.
Washington, a longtime Atlanta resident, has served on the National Restaurant Association board and as chair from 2003 to 2004. He received the Georgia Restaurant Association’s Grace Award for Distinguished Service in 2016. In 2015, he gave a $1 million endowment to the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State University to further the education of aspiring hospitality professionals.
Washington’s company, Hojeij Branded Foods, was purchased by Paradies Lagardère in November. Earlier, Washington worked with the Walt Disney Co. for 12 years.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Regynald, as this tremendous award recognizes his contributions and achievements in the dining industry,” said Gregg Paradies, president and CEO of Paradies Lagardère, in a statement.
Paradies Lagardère’s dining division, based in Atlanta, is a travel retail company operating 174 restaurants in 43 airports in the United States and Canada with revenue of more than $350 million.
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