Karen Olson, principal owner of Metropolitan, one of Salt Lake City's finest restaurants, recently accepted the prestigious role of vice chair for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) Board of Directors. The appointment was made at DiRōNA's 18th annual conference October 19-21. Other appointments included William L. Hyde, Jr. of Dallas (chair) and Joseph DiSalvo of Latrobe, PA (first vice chair).

In addition, Olson's Metropolitan was selected for the 2008 Best of Salt Lake City Award in the Restaurants category by the U.S. Local Business Association, an Award Program recognizing outstanding local businesses throughout the country.

"We're thrilled Karen has been given this honor and that her restaurant received this prestigious award," commented Scott Beck, President & CEO of the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Those who know Karen and have enjoyed Metropolitan, locals and visitors alike, can appreciate these deserving honors."

Olson has a master's degree from Pepperdine University and is the founder and co-chair of Salt Lake's ever-popular and highly successful Downtown Dine O' Round. Olson received Salt Lake's "2004 Downtown Alliance Lifestyle Achievement Award"for her work in increasing the vitality and economic development of Utah's capitol city.

DiRōNA was established in 1990 to promote the fine dining industry, and the DiRōNA distinction is bestowed upon only the most distinguished fine dining establishments. To be eligible, restaurants must be in operation, under the same ownership, for a minimum of three years. A rigorous, anonymous inspection process scrutinizes every aspect of the dining experience - food, wine, service, physical property and décor. To date, fewer than 800 restaurants have earned the DiRōNA distinction.

U.S. Local Business Association is a Washington D.C.-based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.