2020 Award Winners:
Operator of the Year
Matt Johnson, Barley’s Bar, Council Bluffs
Chef of the Year
Chef Jeremy Moskowitz, Duck City Bistro, Davenport
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
Katy Nelson, Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines
Hospitality Employee of the Year
David Basinger, Rodina, Cedar Rapids
American Dream Award
Suman Hoque, HoQ, Des Moines
Faces of Diversity Award
Lorena Alomia, Delicias by Lorena, Des Moines
Purveyor Partner of the Year
Justin Woodard, Sysco Iowa, Ankeny
Industry Champion
Ryan Achterhoff, Pizza Ranch, Orange City
ProStart Educator of Excellence
LaRae Arment, Alburnett High School, Alburnett
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award
Nick Kuhn, The Hall DSM, West Des Moines
Legislator of the Year
Senator Craig Johnson, Senate District 32, Independence
Mentor of the Year
Aaron Broshar, Blue Barn BBQ, Cedar Falls
New this year is a Rural Operator of the Year Award which was created to recognize the role and importance of restaurants and taverns in Iowa communities with fewer than 5,000 people. The inaugural recipient of this award is Mike Muller of Grace on Main in Elk Horn (population 610).