The Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala Honoring Marv, Zeid, and Richy Ammari 

Marv, Zeid, and Richy† Ammari are the recipients of the 2026 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award for their unwavering dedication to the New Orleans community, and for transforming compassion into action through the founding of Creole Cuisine Cares.

The Ammari Brothers have long felt a profound calling to serve and give back, nourishing both body and spirit to the city they love. Their commitment to excellence in hospitality and their heartfelt service to others have left an indelible mark on our city and our hearts.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
VIP Reception: 6:00-7:00pm
Dinner & Award Ceremony: 7:00-10:00pm

VIP Table of 10: $2,500 (includes VIP Reception with exclusive food and bars, plus wine magnum on table)

Table of 10: $1,500

VIP A La Carte Single Ticket: $275 (includes VIP Reception with exclusive food and bars, plus wine magnum on table)

A La Carte Single Ticket: $175

Attire: Cocktail

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The Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award

Each year the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award is presented to a recipient who has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments, and philanthropic contributions to the community. The award is named for legendary restaurateur Ella Brennan in honor of her deep passion and commitment, which has made a significant and longstanding impact on the New Orleans hospitality industry.

Past Recipients

2025 - Dickie Brennan
2024 - Donald Link
2023 - Susan Spicer
2022 - Frank Brigtsen
2020 - John Folse 
2019 - Mark Romig
2018 - Emeril Lagasse
2016 - Ralph Brennan
2015 - Ron Forman 
2014 - Drago & Klara Cvitanovich
2013 - Leah Chase 
2012 - Bill Goldring
2011 - Paul Prudhomme
2010 - Ella Brennan

Ella Brennan, the late Grande Dame of New Orleans’ restaurateurs, once said her life’s work doesn’t feel much like work at all. “It’s a way of life; it’s not a job.” Ella Brennan’s contributions to the hospitality industry across New Orleans and America are legendary. To that, we raise a glass each year and celebrate her lifetime achievement by honoring those who follow in her footsteps.

  • 2021 - NOWFE presented the Ella Brennan “Stand Up for Your Hometown Award” to recipients who exhibited unwavering love and extended an extraordinary response to support the New Orleans community during the pandemic. Recipients included:

    • Al Copeland Jr., Al Copeland Foundation

    • Phil Moseley and Ronnie Evans, Blue Oak BBQ 

    • Robert Peyton and Troy Gilbert, Chef’s Brigade 

    • Zeid and Marv Ammari, Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts 

    • Erich and Jennifer Weishaupt, Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund 

    • Devin De Wulf, Feed the Front Line and Feed the Second Line 

    • Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, Link Restaurant Group 

    • Jennifer Kelley Killian, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation

    • Lauren Darnell, MiNO Foundation 

    • Melvin Rodrigue, National Restaurant Association

    • Zach Strief, Port Orleans Brewing Co. 

    • Charles Armstrong, Peewee’s Crabcakes On the Go 

    • Isaac and Amanda Toups, Toups’ Meatery