DES MOINES, IOWA (October 7, 2021) — On November 15, the Iowa Restaurant Association will present its annual state hospitality awards at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.
“This year’s winners exemplify diversity and opportunity in our industry,” said Jessica Dunker President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “From an entrepreneur who built a national pizza chain, to a chef that offers award winning cuisine, to an immigrant restaurateur introducing Iowans to African signature dishes, this year’s winners cover the gamut in business model, value proposition, and customer experience. There is a reason the honorees and their establishments have not just survived, but thrived, in a post-COVID recovery, and we can’t wait to feature their stories in the coming weeks.”
2021 Award Winners Include:
Restaurateur of the Year — Adrie Groeneweg, Pizza Ranch, Orange City
Chef of the Year — Chef Samuel Charles, Rodina, Cedar Rapids
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year — Brett Matlick, Dr. Getwell’s Bar and Grill, Keokuk
Hospitality Employee of the Year — Natasha Johnson, Rastrelli’s, Clinton
American Dream Award — Bob Mulvihill, Kitchen Spaces, Des Moines
Faces of Diversity Award — Salah Salah, Gursha Ethiopian Grill, Des Moines
Purveyor Partner of the Year — Bret Petersen, Martin Bros. Distributing, Cedar Falls
Industry Champion — Debi Durham, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, Des Moines
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award — Emily Jones, Chuck’s, Des Moines
Legislator of the Year — Representative Shannon Lundgren, Iowa House District 57, Peosta
Rural Operator of the Year Award — Jodi Arment, Lynnville’s Smokin’ J’s BBQ, Lynnville
ProStart Mentor of the Year — Chef Matt Meadows CEC, Caesars Entertainment/Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
The Association will also recognize its 30 ProStart High School Culinary Program teachers and their annual 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality Honorees at the event.
The Awards Ceremony is being held in conjunction with its Annual Tasting Gala which features eight-plus talented chefs from across the state competing for culinary honors and prizes. Guests can sample all of the competition dishes and cast a vote for their favorite; as well as enjoy a dessert salon with wine and beer samplings. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com.
