Brien Trippas was granted the ultimate industry nod Monday night (Oct 11) at the Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence 2010, being inducted to the John K Walker Hall of Fame after more than 40 years in the business.

“Brien’s contribution to the Association and to the industry has been extraordinary” said President of RCA NSW,  Ian Martin.

Trippas White Catering’s Brien Trippas with his Hall of Fame Award

Armed with a degree in Hospitality Management from Aston University in the UK, Brien completed his training with the worlds’ largest catering company. After holding various senior positions in the Middle East and Australia, he then went on to form Rowland Commercial Catering. The business quickly grew in the venue and commercial sectors to be an industry leader prior to its sale to Gardner Merchant Sodexho in 1990.

Brien’s next venture was Trippas White Catering, securing the catering contracts of prestigious venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Centennial Parklands Dining and The Pavilion amongst others

In 2007, Trippas White became a part of AIH Group, which, with its significant operations in Westfield Sydney Tower, today is one of the leading Restaurant and Catering operations in Australia.

Brien has also found the time to act as an industry principal and mentor. He led the Restaurant and Catering Association in NSW as President from 2004 to 2009, and is currently Treasurer of RCA Australia. He has held this post for the last 12 years.

“I am thrilled by this honour” said Trippas after being presented with the John K Walker Hall of Fame Award.

‘It’s bloody hard work in the restaurant business for low returns, but you have to remember to have fun!’ he said, reflecting on the challenges of a stellar career.