Dedicated Ocean Prime leader recognized for exceptional service and hospitality

TROY (September 10, 2014) – Ocean Prime congratulates sales associate Shawniqua Smith, recipient of the 2014 Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award in the restaurant category, presented by the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMVCB). Embodying Ocean Prime’s genuine hospitality, Smith continuously builds a community of loyal guests with her contagiously positive attitude. Nominated by peers and management, Smith was one of 81 nominees in the restaurant business category.

“Shawniqua embodies the character and attitude to succeed in the hospitality industry and is truly deserving of the ROSE Award,” says Ocean Prime general manager Greg Sage.

Smith has been a member of the Ocean Prime family for five years and is responsible for training new associates. During the 2013 holiday season, Smith led a gift drive for the Christ House Orphanage, for which the Ocean Prime associates teamed up to purchase toys and clothing for 21 children with special needs. After delivering the gifts, Smith invited the children to Ocean Prime for a complimentary holiday luncheon. She has continued to organize several outings for the orphanage including baseball games, bowling and movie nights. Always looking to help those in need, Smith frequently takes leftover food from the restaurant to feed the homeless in downtown Detroit.

Since 2007, the DMVCB has given the ROSE Award to leaders in the hospitality industry who provide unparalleled customer service. Community members nominate those who have gone above and beyond and deserve recognition for their hard work. A panel of industry judges then selects the winner based on the nominee’s commitment to excellent customer service, longevity, endorsement of managers and colleagues, community service activities, communication skills, ability to handle problems effectively, attitude and workplace knowledge and lasting impressions.