DES MOINES, IOWA (July 24, 2019) — The Iowa Restaurant Association is accepting nominations for its annual Restaurateur, Chef, Employee (host, server, bartender, etc), Emerging Hospitality Leader, Philanthropist, and American Dream Award. The public is invited to nominate outstanding people in Iowa’s restaurant and hospitality industry for any of these awards honors. Winners will be recognized at the Association’s annual Celebrating Excellence Hospitality Awards ceremony held in conjunction with its Hospitality Expo November 18 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Nominations will be accepted through August 15.
Visit www.restaurantiowa.com/award-nominations to submit a nomination.
2018 Award Winners:
Restaurateur of the Year — Chef Benjamin Smart, Executive Chef, Big Grove Brewery, Solon and Iowa City, Pullman Bar & Diner, Iowa City, St. Burch Tavern, Iowa City
Chef of the Year — Chef Aaron Holt, Executive Chef/Co-General Manager, RoCA, Des Moines
American Dream Award — Chef Aman Razadan, Owner/Executive Chef, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf
Employee of the Year — Shayna Watts, Assistant Manager, Fresh Mediterranean Express, Waukee
Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year — Holly Hintz, Pastry Chef/General Manager, Créme Cupcake + Dessert, Des Moines
Small Community Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropist — Unc’s Cheesecakes, Jessica Baldus Osage
Large Community Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropist — Gusto Pizza, Joe McConville, Josh Holderness and Tony Lemmo, Des Moines
Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state.
