The 2025 Colorado Restaurant Association Hospitality Awards, known as The HOSPYS, recognized excellence across every corner of the hospitality industry, from front-of-house and back-of-house employees to bartenders, chefs, restaurant operators, food truck owners, and beverage professionals. The evening also celebrated three influential hospitality leaders who were inducted into the Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame for their lasting impact on Colorado’s restaurant community.
Colorado’s restaurant industry gathered on November 10 for an inspiring evening honoring the people who make the state’s dining scene one of the most exciting in the country. The Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted the second annual HOSPY Awards Gala at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating the outstanding chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, and community partners shaping Colorado’s culinary landscape.
James Beard Award-winning author and speaker Adrian Miller returned as host of the celebration, joined by notable guests including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie.
“The HOSPYS represent the heart of Colorado hospitality,” said Sonia Riggs, President & CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association. “There’s nothing more rewarding than recognizing the individuals who pour everything they have into this industry. When we celebrate them, we also honor what local restaurants mean to Colorado. Much more than just places to eat, restaurants are gathering spaces that help shape the character and identity of our communities.”
The HOSPY Awards process began with public nominations submitted by Colorado diners and hospitality supporters. A committee of media and industry professionals selected finalists, and public voting combined with committee evaluation determined the winners revealed live at the annual awards gala.
2025 Colorado HOSPY Award Winners
Front-of-House Employee of the Year
Laine Droski, FOH Team Member, Leven Deli Co. (Denver)
Back-of-House Employee of the Year
Alondra Ramos, Lead Line Cook, Restaurant Olivia (Denver)
Bartender of the Year
Scott Hanley, Bartender, The Candlelight Tavern (Denver)
Beverage Professional of the Year
Gavin Bistodeau, Owner & Founder, Melrose Spirit Co. (Grand Junction)
Manager of the Year
Jenny Knickerbocker, Regional Vice President of Operations, Destination Hospitality (Steamboat Springs)
Food Truck of the Year
Sunny Sky Pies (Fort Collins)
Operator of the Year
Mary Nguyen, Olive & Finch Collective (Denver and Aurora)
Newcomer Restaurant of the Year
Champagne Tiger (Denver)
Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year
Ismael de Sousa, Reunion Bread Co. (Denver)
Chef of the Year
An Nguyen, Dân Dã (Aurora)
Restaurant of the Year
Bin 707 (Grand Junction)
Legacy Employee of the Year
Chris Seres, Assistant General Manager, The Fort (Morrison)
Community Partner of the Year
Kind Therapy, Inc. (Edgewater)
Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame Welcomes Three Hospitality Leaders
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the induction of three iconic figures into the Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame. Established in 1978, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers, leadership, and contributions have helped define and elevate Colorado’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
The 2025 Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Nick Ault, Owner, The Duffeyroll Bakery & Café (Denver)
- Sheila Lucero, Culinary Director, Big Red F Independent Restaurant Group (Denver and Boulder)
- Kevin Taylor, Restaurateur and Founder, Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group (Denver and Broomfield)
These hospitality pioneers have influenced generations of chefs, restaurant professionals, and business owners while helping establish Colorado as a nationally recognized culinary destination.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 HOSPY Awards finalists, winners, and Hall of Fame inductees. Their passion, creativity, leadership, and commitment to hospitality continue to make Colorado’s restaurant industry stronger and more vibrant.