Rider Jet Center and Grille at Runways Shine with Awards in 2026
Rider Jet Center Shines with Multiple Prestigious Awards
Rider Jet Center, known as a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) located at Hagerstown Regional Airport, has recently garnered recognition for excellence, winning several notable awards at both regional and national levels. The awards highlight Rider Jet Center's commitment to exceptional service and guest satisfaction, solidifying its reputation within the aviation industry.
Recognition at Washington County Business Awards
On February 25, 2026, Rider Jet Center clinched the top honor in the "At Your Service" category at the Washington County Business Awards. This event, organized by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, showcased local businesses that demonstrate outstanding service.
The awards ceremony praised Rider Jet Center for its dedication to providing premier amenities and seamless support, marking it as a frontrunner in hospitality and operational excellence.
Grille at Runways: Culinary Excellence
In addition to Rider Jet Center's accolades, The Grille at Runways, the in-house restaurant, has also made an impressive mark. It was awarded the title of Best Overall Restaurant at the Tri State's Best Community's Choice Awards 2025. With its dedication to quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner, accompanied by breathtaking views of the airfield, the restaurant has positioned itself as a beloved destination in Washington County's culinary scene.
The Grille at Runways did not stop there. In 2026, it was a finalist in two categories at Hagerstown Magazine's Hot List: Overall Restaurant and Special Occasion/Romantic. This recognition follows its previous win in the Special Occasion/Romantic category in 2025, showcasing consistent performance in dining excellence.
Previous Accolades
These recent achievements come on the heels of Rider Jet Center being named Top FBO by Aerospace and Defense Review in 2025. The magazine lauded the center for its exceptional service and superior amenities, making it a respected choice among its clientele. The recognition was a result of extensive evaluations by a panel of industry experts and highlights Rider Jet Center's stellar reputation.
Ben Rider, the owner and operator, expressed pride in the organization's accomplishments, stating, "While recognition is wonderful, we've always felt that we don't maintain great service merely to win awards. We're proud to continue to make a difference for the customers and communities we serve." This belief emphasizes a commitment beyond awards, underlining their focus on true and impactful service.
A Brief History of Rider Jet Center
Founded in 2003 by David Rider, a passionate private pilot, the facility is now operated by his son Ben Rider. The vision behind Rider Jet Center has always been to elevate the industry standards of FBO services by prioritizing hospitality, trust, and unmatched customer care. They offer comprehensive services including aviation fuel supply, ramp services, rental vehicle arrangements, and hotel reservations.
The facility is equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, and cozy lounges offering pilots a relaxing space. Not only do Rider Jet Center and The Grille at Runways provide exceptional service, but they also create an inviting atmosphere that fosters community among aviation enthusiasts.
Commitment to Excellence
Rider Jet Center remains committed to continuously enhancing its offerings and adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The combination of quality service, experienced staff, and state-of-the-art facilities has enabled the center to excel within a competitive industry. The accolades reflect not only the hard work of its team but also the support and loyalty of its customers.
As Rider Jet Center continues to grow and achieve success, it sets an enduring example of excellence in the aviation industry, showcasing the importance of customer satisfaction and innovation.