MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026
The Colorado Restaurant Association's Annual Hospitality Awards
Shining local light on the outstanding talent and achievements of the Colorado restaurant and hospitality community
Public voting for the 2026 HOSPY Awards is OPEN
The HOSPY Awards recognize individuals, teams, restaurants, food trucks, caterers, philanthropists, and other Colorado hospitality professionals who serve as leaders and mentors, who have significantly contributed to their businesses and their communities, and who have pushed our state’s great industry forward.
The 2026 HOSPYS winners will be announced live during the awards gala on November 16.
The HOSPY Awards Gala is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary talents of the Colorado hospitality community and come together to celebrate the positive impact of our industry across the Centennial State.
2026 HOSPY AWARD FINALISTS:
Restaurant of the Year:
A restaurant that demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the Colorado hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
Chef of the Year:
An individual working as a chef in Colorado who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
Newcomer Restaurant of the Year:
A “new on the scene” restaurant making extraordinary contributions to the industry and Colorado dining scene through leadership and excellence in food, beverage, and hospitality. The restaurant must have opened by July 1 of the current awards year and cannot have been open for more than two years.
Bartender of the Year:
An individual in a non-management role who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado through demonstrated excellence in cocktail, spirits, beer, wine, and other beverage service.
Bar & Beverage Team of the Year
A beverage team at a Colorado restaurant or bar that collectively demonstrates outstanding professionalism, collaboration, and leadership in beverage service, significantly contributing to the positive image of the business and the industry as a whole.
Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year:
An individual working as a pastry chef or baker in Colorado who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
Back-of-House Team of the Year:
A back-of-house team that collectively demonstrates outstanding professionalism and culinary excellence, significantly contributing to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado.
Front-of-House Team of the Year:
A front-of-house team that collectively demonstrates outstanding professionalism and excellence in service, significantly contributing to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado.
Manager of the Year:
An individual in a leadership/management role who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado through excellence in team building and mentorship, customer service, and industry operations. Possible roles include kitchen manager, bar manager, and general managers at all levels.
Food Truck of the Year:
A mobile food service business that demonstrates the highest standards for hospitality and culinary excellence.
Caterer of the Year:
A catering company, hotel caterer, or restaurant with catering service that demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the Colorado hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
Hotel & Resort Food & Beverage Program of the Year
A culinary program (including on-property restaurants, bars, catering, and/or room service) at a Colorado hotel or resort that significantly contributes to the positive image of the local hospitality industry through culinary excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of hospitality.
Operator of the Year:
An owner or operator who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the Colorado hospitality industry through excellence in operations, hospitality, community connection, and team leadership.
2026 HOSPY AWARD HONOREES
Community Partner of the Year
An industry vendor or supporter with a reputation for quality and excellence, as well as a proven mission of giving back to the hospitality community in Colorado.
School of Hospitality
Philanthropists of the Year
An individual, or individuals, whose outstanding civic and charitable giving sets a philanthropic example for others in our community.
Cara & Cliff Blauvelt
Odie B’s and Boombots Pasta Shop, Denver
Front-of-House Legacy Employee of the Year
An employee in any front-of-house role with regular customer contact who has demonstrated a legacy of outstanding service and dedication to the hospitality industry in Colorado for 20 years or more; nominees must have worked for at least 10 years at their current place of employment.
Jill Fischer
Cherry Cricket, Denver
Back-of-House Legacy Employee of the Year
An employee in any back-of-house role without regular customer contact who has demonstrated a legacy of outstanding service and dedication to the hospitality industry in Colorado for 20 years or more; nominees must have worked for at least 10 years at their current place of employment.
Gerardo “Gerry” Perez
Mizuna, Denver
2026 Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame Inductees
