EY today announced that Andy Pforzheimer, CEO and Co-Founder of Barteca Restaurant Group, received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2016 Award in New York. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award program. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Pforzheimer was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special gala event at the Marriott Marquis on June 22, 2016.

Pforzheimer is responsible for overseeing overall growth and execution of Barteca Restaurant Group's two concepts, Barcelona Wine Bar and Restaurant and bartaco. "It's a bit overwhelming. I feel honored to receive such a prestigious award and very lucky to be recognized in the company of such exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs," said Pforzheimer.

Since 1986, EY has honored entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation and discipline have propelled their companies' success, invigorated their industries, and benefited their communities. Now in its 30th year, the program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company, Robert Unanue of Goya Foods, and Mindy Grossman of HSN. Recent US national winners include Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn; Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani; and 2015 winnersAndreas Bechtolsheim and Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks.

As a New York award winner, Pforzheimer is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala inPalm Springs, California, on November 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum™, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2017.

About Barteca

Barteca creates vibrant, stylish, and affordable restaurant concepts that focus on an impressive food and beverage program and excellent customer service, founded by CEO Andy Pforzheimer and Creative Director Sasa Mahr-Batuz. Since 1996, Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant has been entertaining diners with flavorful small plates, daring design, and a welcoming atmosphere. The bartaco concept, first introduced in 2011, is inspired by beach cultures from around the world, and is dedicated to serving upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. For more information, please visit www.barteca.com, barcelonawinebar.com andbartaco.com.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.