Joined by leading chef Angela Hartnett as creative director in January, Smart secured the contract to cater at the centre within the Olympic Park in Stratford.
Hartnett led a team of 132 chefs which served 60,000 guests, VIPs and officials over the course of the Olympics.
The ‘thank you part’ marked the culmination Smart’s motivation programme for the Games, which Lawson said had been designed to inspire and motivate every member of the whole team, from the first day until the very last, with the chance to get a ‘money can’t buy’ ticket to the party.
Staff were able to secure their place by gathering five gold stars awarded for professionalism and exceptional service. Also, sponsors were given the chance to award a coveted ‘Golden Ticket’ which gave automatic admission to the party – the crucial element being that these awards could be given at any time during the Games.
Lawson told staff at the ‘thank you’ party said the golden stars and tickets were a powerful motivational tool to ensure even on the toughest days the Smart team delivered friendly professionalism with a passion for the absolute best.
The captain of England’s Rugby Word Cup winning team in 2003, Martin Johnson, joined Lawson to help hand out the awards on the night.
Lawson added: “Anything worth winning is worth fighting for. This has been the most challenging and complicated project but I knew if I could surround myself with the right people then Smart could deliver.
“No-one has been more important in delivering that dream than the audience here tonight. I thank you as colleagues and friends.”
Awards included Leaders in the Field, Ultimate Motivator, Character of the OHC and Unsung Hero.