For Immediate Release Monday, October 28 2019 – Des Moines, IA –On November 18^thin conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Convention and Expo, the Iowa Restaurant Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. This year’s winners include: 2019 Award Winners Restaurateur– Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines Chef– Chef Kevin Scharpf, Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, Dubuque Emerging Hospitality Leader– Chris Diebel, Bubba & Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines Employee– Emily Hudson, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf American Dream Award Winner– Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville Faces of Diversity Award- Chef Bobby Singleton, Cashus Italian Cuisine, Batavia Purveyor Partner– Brad Korkow, Society Insurance, Fond du Lac, WI Industry Champion– Mike Holms, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill and Jethro’s BBQ, Des Moines ProStart Educator of Excellence – Jane Hoegh, Hampton-Dumont High School, Hampton ProStart Mentor– Chef Michael Gabrielson, Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award- Kim Brown, Inspired Luncheonette, Readlyn Legislator– Senator Carrie Koelker, Senate District 29, Dyersville Prior to the awards ceremony, the Association will host its annual Grand Tasting Gala. The Gala will be from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm and allows the public to celebrate with the award winners as well as sample dishes from the Iowa Restaurant Association’s statewide culinary competition. Attendees will also cast a vote in a People’s Choice Award. There will be spirits, wine and beer samples, live music and more. Tickets are $39 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com

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All of the awards are presented by the Iowa Restaurant Association, an advocacy organization supporting the state’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. The 2019 Celebrating Excellence Awards presenting sponsor is Sysco Iowa. Media Contact: Emilee Zimmerman Public Relations Coordinator Iowa Restaurant Association ezimmerman@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454