2024 HOSPY AWARDEES & FINALISTS:
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 coc
Winner:
Keith Webber Mountain Standard, Vail
Finalists:
Celeste Rangel Ruiz Middleman, Denver
Coleman Sisk Yacht Club, OK Yeah, Bread Bar, and others, Denver, Silver Plume
Back-of-House Employee of the Year:
An individual in a non-management, back-of-house role without regular customer contact who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado. Possible roles include line cook, prep cook, butcher, expo, and dishwasher; chef positions are excluded.
Winner:
Ricardo Tyrell Salt & Lime, Steamboat Springs
Finalists:
Francisco Contreras Pindustry, Greenwood Village
Brandon Shirley Rupert’s, Durango
Front-of-House Employee of the Year:
An individual in a non-management, front-of-house role with regular customer contact who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado. Possible roles include server, bar back, runner, busser, and host; bartender is excluded.
Winner:
Jenne Harris Stone Cellar Bistro, Arvada
Finalists:
Keith Yoder The Golden Mill, Golden
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.
Winner:
Angelina Allen 626 on Rood, Grand Junction
Finalists:
Jessica Cram City, O’ City, Denver
Irving Mares Santo, Boulder
Jason Sutton Footers Catering, Arvada
Food Truck of the Year:
A mobile food service business that demonstrates the highest standards for hospitality and culinary excellence.
Winner:
Pali Thai Palisade
Finalists:
Chiri’s Momo Delight Boulder
Mukja Denver
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.
Winner:
Sắp Sửa Denver
Finalists:
Alma Fonda Fina Denver
Marigold Lyons
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.
Winner:
Chris Schmidt Craftsmen Brew Co., Bird Craft, Il Mago, Edwards, Frisco
Finalists:
Brent Jackson & Dan Smalheiser Little Avery Eatery, Fort Collins
Alena Windedahl-Simms & Manny Sena A&M Creations on Main, Delta
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.
Winner:
Carolyn Nugent & Alen Ramos Poulette Bakeshop, Parker
Finalists:
Hannah Lavoy Lucina Eatery & Bar and Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, Denver
Thoa Nguyen Bánh & Butter Bakery Café, Aurora
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.
Winner:
Penelope Wong Yuan Wonton, Denver
Finalists:
Eric Brenner Red Gravy, Colorado Springs
Ian Palazzola Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder
Bo Porytko Misfit and Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Denver
Kenneth Wan MAKfam, Denver
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.
Winner:
Annette Aurora
Finalists:
Bin 707 Grand Junction
Lucina Eatery & Bar Denver
Restaurant Olivia Denver
Rootstalk Breckenridge
2024 HOSPY AWARD HONOREES
Legacy Employee of the Year
An employee in any role 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.
Miranda McFarlan-Garcia Richard Sandoval Hospitality, Denver, Snowmass
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.
Philanthopist 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.
Richard & Jessica Fierro Atrevida Beer Co., Colorado Springs
Richard P. Ayers Award for Distinguished Service