Bob Platzer, president and corporate executive officer of

P.J.W. Restaurant Group, has received the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 award at a gala on June 7 at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia.Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year is a business award for entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and success in areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.Platzer was selected as the winner in the Hospitality Service.As a 14-year-old dishwasher, Platzer became interested in the restaurant business. Five decades later, his pioneering passion and determination built the thriving

P.J.W. Restaurant Group, set to open its 20th restaurant.The company has grown to include: P.J. Whelihan's, with a location in Lehighton; The Pour House; The ChopHouse and Treno Pizza Bar restaurants in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.