Each year the Iowa Restaurant Association honors its top hospitality professionals at the annual Celebrating Excellence Awards ceremony. This year’s awards ceremony is scheduled to be held November 13th at the Iowa Events Center. Our current plan is to hold an in person awards ceremony! The submission period for the 2023 Celebrating Excellence Awards nominations is now open! Do you know a top Iowa operator, chef, employee or purveyor who deserves recognition? Use the form to the right (or below on hand held devices) to nominate them for the 2023 awards.
Deadline is August 1, 2023!
See Previous Award Winners Here
Categories
Chef of the Year: This award honors the professional chef who exemplifies creativity, culinary excellence, and service to the profession and the industry. Her or she should be successful in the eyes of his or her fellow operators, employees, and community and have contributed to the positive image of the Hospitality Industry in Iowa.
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year: This award honors an up and coming hospitality industry leader. Nominees can come from any segment of the industry (restaurant, tavern, purveyor company, or educational institution) and any level or type of position (owner, manager, employee, educator, administrator) who exemplifies a commitment to the industry and service to customers. He or she must be under the age of 40, should be successful in the eyes of his or her fellow industry members, as well as the community, and have contributed to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Iowa.
Employee of the Year: This award honors an employee whose performance exceeds expectations by going above and beyond the job to deliver outstanding customer service, and making a positive impact on the business. The nominee must have served in the industry for at least three [3] years and have contributed to the positive image of the Hospitality Industry in Iowa.
Purveyor of the Year: This award honors the purveyor employee whose performance exceeds expectations by going above and beyond the job, delivering outstanding customer service and making a positive impact on the restaurant industry. The nominee must have served in the industry for at least three [3] years and have contributed to the positive image of the Hospitality Industry in Iowa.
Restaurateur or Bar Operator of the Year: This award honors the restaurant, bar or tavern owner or manager who demonstrates originality, quality, and service to customers. He or she should be successful in the eyes of his or her fellow operators, employees, and community and have contributed to the positive image of the Hospitality Industry in Iowa.
America Dream Award (Faces of Diversity): This award honors restaurant operators and employees who had to overcome significant obstacles in order achieve the American dream in the restaurant industry. He or she can hold any position within the establishment. He or she should be successful in the eyes of his or her establishment and community and have contributed to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Iowa.
State Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award: This award honors restaurants for outstanding community service and involvement. Ninety percent of restaurants are involved in community activities. This award highlights the positive contributions restaurants make in their local neighborhoods each and every day.
Rural Restaurant Operator of the Year Award: This award recognizes the role and importance of restaurants and taverns in Iowa communities with fewer than 5,000 people.
Faces of Diversity Award:The Faces of Diversity award honors restaurant operators and employees who achieve the American dream in the restaurant industry.
Sustainability & Innovation Award:This award recognizes Iowa restaurants that are committed to excellence and leadership in the protection of the environment and the implementation of sustainable practices.