2025 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:
Scott Hanley The Candlelight Tavern, Denver
Finalists:
Devin Ershow Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery, Aspen, Denver
Lexi Parker Poka Lola Social Club, Denver
Beverage Professional 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 demonstrated excellence in cocktail, spirits, beer, wine, and other beverage service.
Winner:
Gavin Bistodeau Melrose Spirit Co., Grand Junction
Finalists:
Jeremy Campbell Root & Flower, Vail
Stuart Weaver Lady Jane, Denver
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:
Alondra Ramos Restaurant Olivia, Denver
Finalists:
Gerry Perez Mizuna, Denver
Karter Worland-Pressely Steuben’s, Denver
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:
Laine Droski Leven Deli Co., Denver
Finalists:
Maxwell Martin Sexy Pizza, Denver
Jade Szporn Chook, Denver
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:
Jenny Knickerbocker Destination Hospitality, Steamboat Springs
Finalists:
Daniel Albert Rupert’s, Durango
Marceleno Diaz Pony Up, Denver
Food Truck of the Year:
A mobile food service business that demonstrates the highest standards for hospitality and culinary excellence.
Winner:
Sunny Sky Pies Fort Collins
Finalists:
La Reyna del Sur Denver
The Little Pink Truck Grand Junction
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:
Champagne Tiger Denver
Finalists:
Mama Jo’s Biscuits & BBQ Denver
Postcard Pizza Fort Collins
Riot BBQ Denver
Welton Street Cafe Denver
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:
Mary Nguyen Olive & Finch Collective, Denver/Aurora
Finalists:
Doug Hammond Kangaroo Coffee, Colorado Springs
Loren Martinez Little Man Ice Cream, Denver
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:
Ismael de Sousa Reunion Bread Co., Denver
Finalists:
Hannah Lavoy Lucina Eatery & Bar, Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, Denver
Emily Thompson The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver
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:
An Nguyen Dân Dã, Aurora
Finalists:
Erasmo Casiano Lucina Eatery & Bar, Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, & others, Denver/Aurora
Johnny Curiel Alma Fonda Fina & others, Denver/Boulder
Kenta Kamo Temaki Den, Denver
John Wilson Bella Colibri & others, Golden
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:
Bin 707 Grand Junction
Finalists:
Beijing Noodle Fort Collins
Black Cat Farmstead Boulder
Marigold Lyons
Restaurant Olivia Denver
2025 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.
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.
Richard P. Ayers Award for Distinguished Service