Rapoport's Restaurant Group Recognized by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Local business people like to recognize each other on the civic level at the Chamber of Commerce. That's nice and all, but it's kind of small fry deal. Not a bad thing--not exactly worthy of national news. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, however, is a kind of a big deal...

By Sara Ventiera

May 6, 2013

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Local business people like to recognize each other on the civic level at the Chamber of Commerce. That's nice and all, but it's kind of small fry deal. Not a bad thing--not exactly worthy of national news.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, however, is a kind of a big deal. And the organization has recognized local business Rapoport Restaurant Group. Clean Plate Charlie spoke to restauranteur Burt Rapoport.

Rapoport's Restaurant Group was honored with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Community Excellence Award.

The award acknowledges just one business in the United States that has found success in its community.

After being recognized by the Boca Chamber of Commerce, Rapoport's Restaurant Group was also named the South East Region finalist for the 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year.

Rapoport is a former member of the Boca Chamber Board of Directors and past recipient of the Boca Chamber's Business Leader of the Year Award.

As would be expected Rapoport is rather pleased about the announcement.

"The United States Chamber Of Commerce Community Excellence Award winner is determined by votes cast by those living in the respective candidates communities," says Rapoport. "It's extremely gratifying and humbling to see how much our community appreciates what we contribute. We are so involved with charities because we believe in giving back to those that support our restaurants. Our answer to every request is : Yes! We don't have one or two charities that we prefer, as our customers are involved in numerous charities - all worthwhile."

Rapoport's next charitable effort is this weekend's "Surf Into Summer" concert featuring Beach Boy David Marks and the Surf City All Stars. Being held at the site of his newest venture, Burt & Max's at the Delray Marketplace, the event will benefit the Golden Bell Foundation--the organization that recommended Rapoport for the award. Rapoport chose the foundation due to their involvement in the Boca Chamber of Commerce.

The Achievement Center's of Delray Beach, a charity that assists underprivileged students, will also benefit from the event.

The concert takes place on Saturday, May 11 from 7 to 10 pm, at the Delray Beach Marketplace Amphitheater. Chef Ben Burger of Henry's, Stephen Clark of E&J's Sandwich Shop, Chef Adam Brown of Burt & Max's, Chef John Greening of Deck 84, Chef Jay Prisco of Bogart's Bar & Grille, and Chef Patrick Broadhead of Max's Grille will all be present for the event.

General Admission tickets are $30 -- beach chairs suggested. Premium seating tickets are $60. VIP tickets are $100 and include pre-show cocktail reception and premium seating, upfront. Kids are 10 bucks. All tickets include a tasting and two drinks.

The Delray Marketplace is located at 9025 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Click here for tickets.

- OpenTable Names Sundy House, the Breakers Among the 100 Best Brunches in the U.S.

Follow @ CleanPlateBPB

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.