CRA Crazies “Service Team of the Year”

This award celebrates teams that embody grace under pressure, confidence without arrogance, and connection without pretense. They are the pulse that keeps the restaurant alive.

Service teams hunt in a pack, individually? Yes.

They’re a flock of birds in motion. Don’t believe me? Put a plate on the side of the expo line and the first server will ask, “Is this dead?” If the answer is yes, they swarm like seagulls on the dish.

A restaurant’s culture is almost always enforced by the servers. They are the front lines. They are as strong or as weak as their weakest member, and typically, they are self-correcting. They are a street gang with a pecking order. They can be flawless or lawless.

They set the tone.

When they operate tight, it means the culture is right, and you are in for a wonderful experience guided by true hospitality pros. They will laugh at all your jokes they’ve heard a thousand times and do their best not to flinch at your most ridiculous request.

They’ll still ask the chef or the bartender, even if it means taking the heat.

They are the liaison between you and the kitchen, between expectation and experience. They juggle personalities, emotions, allergies, delays, and egos, all while carrying trays and smiles.

Tip them well.

The Crazies Nominees Service Teams to vote for

David Burke Prime – “Foxwoods’ finest, leading with polish and precision.”

Gabriele's of Westport – “Warmth and elegance in every interaction.”

Max's Oyster Bar – “Having worked here I can say this is A West Hartford institution built on standards of hospitality.”

The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel – “Seaside service with soul.”

Viron Rondo Osteria – “Energy, efficiency, and heart, every shift.”

My Reflection, From the Trenches

In my long career, I only made a short stop at serving. It was my bridge from the kitchen to the bar. I enjoyed it, but I knew it wasn’t my forever home.

I was pretty good at it, though. It taught me multitasking, teamwork, and the rhythm of service. It was quick, intense money — but it came with a price. You are at the mercy of your surroundings.

The kitchen, the bar, the host, the guests, and the MOD all play a direct role in your night. When they’re aligned, you float. When they’re not, you fight through it.

Service, when done right, is invisible. You don’t notice it because you’re too busy enjoying yourself. That’s what makes the front of house so special. It’s both art and armor, performance and purpose.

And these teams, the ones on this list,

they make it look effortless. AND THEY DO ALL THE ROLL-UPS.

VOTE HERE