PDC Hospitality Supplier of the Year

February 3, 2009

ANNUAL AWARDS RECOGNIZE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY LEADERS

RALEIGH -- North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) honored four individuals last night, Monday, Feb. 2, at the association’s Annual Dinner at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. The awards recognize outstanding accomplishments and service to the state’s hospitality industry. This year’s winners are:

Hospitality Supplier of the Year: Malcolm “Mac” R. Sullivan, Jr.

Pate Dawson Company, Goldsboro

Pate-Dawson Company is a faith-based food distribution company from Goldsboro serving as the primary supplier of food and related products to multi-unit chains and independent restaurants in North and South Carolina and Virginia. “Mac” Sullivan joined the Pate Dawson Management team in 1990, and in three years took on the responsibility of President and later CEO in 2007. In 1993, sales volume was $25 million; in 2008 sales were nearly $230 million. Not only has he led the company through 15 years of incredible growth, he has also found time to serve the International Foodservice Distributors Association as Vice Chair. He is also an Eagle Scout and has been a scout master in Goldsboro since 1994. Mr. Sullivan and Pate Dawson also sponsor major scholarships at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte. Mr. Sullivan leads the company with a clear vision that its profitability is dependent on the profitability of its customers.

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association is the leading advocate and resource for the state's $17.5 billion restaurant and lodging industries. Representing the interests of more than 16,000 businesses, NCRLA is North Carolina's only statewide hospitality trade association and partners nationally with the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.