FAQ for Restaurant Awards Renewals
After my restaurant wins an award, then what?
Each year, all previous award winners are required to resubmit their wine list, dinner menu, listing form and entry fee. Your listing form is mailed to you in November with your renewal notice. Do not send in your renewal without it! Renewals must be received between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1. We urge you to renew as early as possible, that way if there is a problem, there will be enough time to deal with it. Please avoid the rush.
How can I find out if my materials have been received?
There are more than 4,000 entries submitted each year, and it takes time to process all of the entries. Please do not call to find out if your materials have been received—there are simply too many entries for us to respond to individuals regarding this. Once your renewal is processed, you will be sent a confirmation e-mail to the e-mail address provided on your listing form. Incomplete renewals will be faxed a final notice shortly after the entry deadline.
If my wine list is in a binder, do I need to include that as well?
No, it is not necessary to include whatever binder or sheet protectors you may be using for your wine list. This will save on your costs, and help us in filing your materials.
Should I send copies of my lunch menu, press clippings or anything else?
No, only your wine list, dinner menu, listing form, cover letter and entry fee are required. Other materials are not reviewed by the judges and need not be sent.
I have more than one restaurant with the same wine list. Do I need to renew them separately?
Yes, all locations must be submitted under separate cover letters, with their own set of materials and entry fee. One set of materials submitted for several restaurants will not be accepted.
Do I still need to include a cover letter with my renewal?
Yes, even if you are renewing, a brief cover letter (in English, on restaurant letterhead) that describes your restaurant's wine program must be included with your materials.
Can I fax or e-mail you my renewal materials?
Not, only hard copies submitted through the mail are accepted.
If my renewal is granted, how do I find out?
All award winners will be notified by mail in May, and then listed in the Aug. 31 issue of Wine Spectator. Award certificates are mailed in August. Our Web site's Restaurant Awards database, at www.winespectator.com/restaurants, will be updated when the Aug. 31 issue is made public.
One of my award certificates was lost/damaged/stolen. Can I get another?
Unfortunately, no. We do not stock copies of previous years' award certificates. The one we send you in September is the only one printed for your restaurant—duplicates are not available.
Still have questions?
E-mail restaurantawards@mshanken.com, fax (212) 481-0724 or call (212) 481-8610, ext. 781. Due to the volume of entries we receive, e-mail is the best way to contact us.
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