Restaurants with a Check Average of Less than $75 Per Person

First Place: Joann’s Fine Foods, Austin, Texas

Photos by Matt Harrington, McGuire Moorman Hospitality

Why It Won

This updated American diner features a tabletop that’s retro yet still manages to deliver a fresh and new appearance. The use of the logo on the plate is done well and really stands out. The choice of dishes fits the food well. Overall, it’s a fun tabletop that’s very comfortable and fits the concept.

Specifying Team

Rachel Ehrlich, operations project manager, McGuire Moorman Hospitality; Belinda Greene, DSR, Edward Don & Company; Buddy Greene, consultant, EPI2; Alex Holder, assistant beverage director, McGuire Moorman Hospitality; Larry McGuire, CEO, McGuire Moorman Hospitality; Jacquelyn Mangione, manufacturer sales representative, Preferred Source; Tom Moorman, manager partner, McGuire Moorman Hospitality; and Mishka Westell, designer, Bunkhouse

• China: Homer Laughlin and Steelite
• Flatware: Ginkgo
• Glassware: Libbey, Rosenthal and Steelite
• Accessories: Homer Laughlin

Honorable Mention: Knife and Board at the DoubleTree, Denver

Photos by Violet Krebs

Worth Mentioning

The goal of this tabletop was to capture the essence of Denver — from the city to the mountains — and this installation does that, which makes the setup special. The attention to detail, including the sea glass look on the plates, made this much more than your typical hotel restaurant.

Specifying Team

Stephen Federocko, DSR, Edward Don & Company; Todd Levick, food and beverage director, DoubleTree Denver; Shaemus O’Brien, executive chef, DoubleTree Denver; Chastin Travis, hospitality specialist, Desert Peak Marketing

• China: Cardinal, Cheforward and Churchill
• Flatware: Cardinal
• Glassware: Cardinal
• Accessories: American Metalcraft and Marko

Honorable Mention: FARM Provisions, Prescott, Ariz.

Photos by Nicky Hedayatzadeh, Mint Design Studio

Worth Mentioning

This installation is very down to earth. The items work together to create an elegant yet clean tabletop that does a good job of showcasing the food. Overall, the tabletop setup blends well with the table creating a simple yet refined installation.

Specifying Team

Pam Bernardi, DSR, The Wasserstrom Company; Brittany Peters, owner, FARM Provisions; and Ryan Peters, chef and owner, FARM Provisions

• China: Syracuse
• Flatware: Cardinal and World Tableware
• Glassware: Cardinal and Libbey
• Accessories: American Metalcraft, Innova Products and Olde Thompson