Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Hospitality (http://www.rockytophospitality.com), has been named the 2011 Restaurateur of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant And Lodging Association (NCRLA). Through Rocky Top Hospitality, Ogan actively participates in his community while developing an outstanding company culture and admirable business ethics. Each year the NCRLA honors a competitive and successful restaurant operator who enhances the overall image of the food service industry. Ogan will be honored during the Taste of North Carolina event on Monday, Feb. 28 at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, located at 3001 Cameron Blvd. in Durham.

QUOTES:

"I am honored and humbled to win this award. I am sincerely thankful to all of my colleagues and partners for supporting the charitable path we have chosen to take with Rocky Top Hospitality," said Ogan. "We believe that community service is not an extracurricular activity, but a mandatory part of our day-to-day routine. At Rocky Top Hospitality, it is just as important as providing excellent food, beverages and service."

DETAILS:

- Rocky Top Hospitality encompasses six restaurants, a brewery, and a full service catering and event planning service. Ogan developed the unique concept for each restaurant from the ground up, and the soups, sauces, dressings and desserts are all made in-house from fresh ingredients. Whenever possible, he obtains and uses locally grown products in his restaurants.