2025 Award Winners Include:
Restaurateurs of the Year- Bob Rand & Lorrie Luense, Archie’s Waeside | LeMars
Chef of the Year– Chef Sam Gelman, The Webster & Paper Crane | Iowa City
Hospitality Employee of the Year– Michelle “Betti” Grandgenett, Orchestrate Hospitality | Des Moines
Emerging Leaders – Cephus Wright & Jason Krull, Aura Restaurant & Lounge| Clive
Rural Operator of the Year – Brad Waldron, Rusty Duck| Dexter
Purveyor Partner of the Year– WoodRiver Energy | Des Moines
American Dream Award– Gloria Henriquez, Tullpa | Des Moines
Faces of Diversity Award- Chef Arturo Mora, Flame Group | Johnston
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award- Alfonso Medina, La Carreta Mexican Grill| Marshalltown
Industry Champion– May Schaben, Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation | West Des Moines
Legislator of the Year– Representative David Young, 28th District | Van Meter
Sustainability & Innovation Award- Revelton Distilling Co. | Osceola
ProStart Educator of Excellence – Claire Anderson, Johnston High School | Johnston
