The National Restaurant Association has announced Ted Fowler as the recipient of its 2025 Legends Award. This award recognizes his leadership and contributions to the restaurant industry. The presentation will take place at the IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards on May 17 in Chicago.
The Legends Award honors individuals with a lifetime dedication to the restaurant and hospitality sector. Fowler's career began as a dishwasher at age 16 and led to a significant role as President and CEO of Golden Corral Corporation for 25 years. He served as Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board in 2001 and received the Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award in 2016.
Fowler is noted for supporting those who work within the industry, focusing on career development both at Golden Corral and throughout the sector. He was instrumental in launching ProStart, an initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation that provides high school students with culinary skills, preparing them for careers in the industry. His efforts have helped equip over one million young people with relevant skills.
“Ted Fowler is a true legend in every sense of the word, with a legacy that exemplifies the power of hard work and a drive to give back in service to others,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Ted’s extraordinary career, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to our industry makes him a perfect recipient of this year’s Legends Award, and I look forward to honoring him in May at the 2025 Gold & Silver Plate Awards.”
This year marks the return of the Legends Award celebration to the Gold & Silver Plate Awards after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Since its inception in 1954, these awards have recognized outstanding achievements within restaurant and foodservice operations.