Jones Dairy Farm, a sixth generation family-run business celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2014, is once again looking for America’s Best Restaurant Families, an awards program started in 2006 that recognizes the accomplishments of today’s top restaurant families across the country, according to Philip Jones, president, Jones Dairy Farm.

The award is eligible to any family who currently owns and operates a commercial restaurant operation in the 50 United States or Washington, D.C.  Entrants will be judged on a number of criteria including: values and/or business philosophy of the founders of the family operation; breadth and depth of family member participation in business functions; and level of accomplishment and success of the family business in terms of restaurant longevity, awards, honors, accolades and accomplishments.  A qualified panel of judges will select four finalists from all eligible applications and name one Grand Prize winner.

The Grand Prize winner will be treated to a 4-day trip to Chicago for up to four family members.  The trip, which will take place May 15–18, will include a visit to Jones Dairy Farm, passes to the National Restaurant Association Show, and $500 spending money.  Jones Dairy Farm will cover travel and lodging expenses.  The winning family will also receive $1,000 in Jones Dairy Farm products and a displayable America’s Best Restaurant Families award. The three remaining finalists will receive $500 in Jones Dairy Farm products as well as the displayable America’s Best Restaurant Families award.

Eligible restaurant families that own and operate commercial restaurants can complete the online Contest application form found at www.jonesABRF.com beginning February 1.  Entrants can also upload up to three photographs that will help the judges understand the restaurant family’s business story.  Examples include historical photos of the restaurant and/or its employees, interior/exterior photos of the restaurant, photos of the family members, etc.  All entries must be submitted by March 17.

“We understand what it takes to sustain a family enterprise and keep it successful,” says Mr. Jones, the great-great grandson of Company Founder Milo Jones. “And since many family-owned businesses also are our customers, we are equally aware of the hard work, dedication and acumen necessary to keep these establishments operating 365 days a year.  It’s with that knowledge we continue to honor America’s best restaurant families.”