Standridge, Mallory Named 2026 Joyce Olson Resnikoff Award Recipients for Elevating Tourism Industry

The region’s first professional chef to earn a prestigious James Beard Best Chef Award, and a man whose family has been synonymous with Mystic’s maritime heritage for generations are recipients of this year’s Joyce Olson Resnikoff awards for contributions to the region’s tourism industry.

David Standridge, executive chef and partner at The Shipwright’s Daughter in downtown Mystic, is the recipient of the 2026 Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Award.

Charles Mallory, founder and CEO of Greenwich Hospitality Group and the Delamar Hotel Collection, is the recipient of the 2026 Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Legacy Award.

Christopher Regan, general manager and co-trustee of Olde Mistick Village, earlier this week announced the awards, which are named in honor of his mother’s generational work in elevating Mystic’s tourism industry and southeastern Connecticut’s business community.

The awards recognize individuals whose leadership, investment and commitment to the community strengthen tourism in Mystic and southeastern Connecticut.

Standridge and Mallory will be presented with their awards at the Party of 12, hosted by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, on Nov. 12. The annual celebration recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and service have strengthened the greater Mystic community and its visitor economy.

“David Standridge and Charles Mallory give people more reasons to visit Mystic, stay longer and return,” said Regan. “David has helped put Mystic’s dining scene on the national map. Charles has invested in hospitality that builds on our maritime heritage and strengthens our future. Their work benefits businesses throughout the region.”

Standridge earned the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast. His approach to sustainable seafood and regional sourcing has helped raise Mystic’s profile as a culinary destination while showcasing the fishermen, farmers and producers who support its restaurants.

The 2026 Tourism Award recognizes Standridge’s contribution to the region’s visitor appeal through culinary excellence, environmental stewardship and national recognition.

Mallory is being honored for his longstanding contributions to hospitality and destination development. The opening of Delamar Mystic in 2025 added luxury accommodations and dining on the Mystic River, expanding the region’s offerings for overnight visitors.

With deep family ties to Mystic’s maritime history and service as a former Mystic Seaport Museum board member, Mallory has combined hospitality investment with a commitment to the community’s distinctive character. Mallory is named for his ancestor, Charles, who came to Mystic from New London in 1816 as a young sailmaker and went on to become one of the state’s wealthiest ship owners. Earlier this month, Mallory, who has also developed luxury hotels across Fairfield County, was honored as the inaugural Hotelier of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

The Tourism Legacy Award, introduced in 2024, recognizes individuals whose careers and leadership have made a lasting contribution to the region’s tourism economy.

“These awards carry Joyce Olson Resnikoff’s name and recognize the commitment to community that is essential to a successful tourism destination,” Regan said. “We are pleased to honor two people whose contributions help Mystic and southeastern Connecticut continue to grow.”

About the Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Awards

Established in 2017, the Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Award recognizes business owners, institutional leaders and community builders who support, grow and nurture southeastern Connecticut’s tourism economy. The Tourism Legacy Award recognizes sustained leadership and lasting impact.

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