2023 Award Winners Include:
Restaurateurs of the Year- Dave & Jean Thompson, District 36 | Urban Grill | Urban Cellar | Urban on the Square | Greater Des Moines
Chef of the Year– Chef Mon Sayasit, Black Sheep Social Club | Cedar Rapids
Hospitality Employee of the Year– Andy Hoffman, Down Under | Clive
Emerging Leader – Sammy Mila, Cremé | Des Moines
Rural Operator of the Year – Chelsea Johnsen, Sisters in Cheese | Madrid
Purveyor Partner of the Year– Scott Ites, Atlantic Bottling Coca Cola | Des Moines
American Dream Award– Taufeek Shah, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce | Des Moines
Faces of Diversity Award- Brenda Tran, Vietnam Cafe | Des Moines
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award- Willie Ray Fairley, Willie Ray’s Q Shack | Cedar Rapids
Industry Champion– Joe McConville, Gusto Pizza | The Breakfast Club | Anna Dolce | Juniper Moon | Greater Des Moines
Legislator of the Year– Representative Dave Deyoe, Iowa House District 49 | Nevada
Sustainability & Innovation Award- Big Grove Brewery, Dan Moore | Iowa City | Cedar Rapids | Solon | Des Moines
ProStart Educator of Excellence – Chef Rolando Molina, Norwalk High School | Norwalk
Mentor of the Year- Chef Andy Walsh, Mickey’s Irish Pub | Waukee