The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Stars of the Industry Awards, which took place on October 30 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. The event was a resounding success, with attendees and awardees coming together to celebrate excellence in restaurant and hospitality industry.
The Stars of the Industry Awards was a night to remember, filled with inspiring moments, heartwarming stories, and unforgettable memories. The event highlights included: Over 50 awards presented to deserving recipients in various categories, from Back of the House Employee of the Year to Restaurateur of the Year. Each awardee was celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements. Attendees had the chance to connect with fellow professionals, industry leaders, and award winners, fostering valuable connections and collaborations. The evening featured a gourmet dinner, the statewide bartender competition, and great fellowship that added to the enjoyment of the event.
The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and awardees for making the Stars of the Industry Award a resounding success. Your support and commitment to excellence in hospitality industry have been instrumental in our shared success.
ARHA remains committed to promoting excellence and innovation in the Alabama hospitality industry. We look forward to continuing to support and recognize outstanding achievements in the future. For those who attended the event and those interested in future endeavors, please stay connected with us through our website, social media channels, and mailing list to receive updates on upcoming events, news, and opportunities.
This Year’s Winners
Legislators of the Year
Senator Chris Elliott
Representative David Faulkner
Representative Frances Holk-Jones
Lifetime Achievement
Judy Ryals – Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Restaurateur of the Year:
Matt & Stephanie Mell – ChurchStreet Family Hospitality
Hotelier of the Year
Josh Head – The Laurel Hotel & Spa
Small Hotelier of the Year
Sanjay Patel – Baron Hospitality
Tourism Promoter of the Year
Melea Hames – Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
Chef of the Year
Pete Blohme – PP Hospitality Group
Best New Culinarian of the Year
Agustin Echazarreta – The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Bartender of the Year
Justin Owens – 23 Court Cigar Bar
Supplier of the Year
Croux
Humanitarian of the Year
David & Joe Maluff – Full Moon BBQ
Front of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year
Rose Stankova – Perdido Beach Resort – Outstanding Star
Carla Grace – Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Carlos Gutierrez – Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Yabreeka Nunn – Ithaka Hospitality Partners
Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year
Thomas McKelvy – The Depot – Outstanding Star
Heather Cruz – Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
Taylor Janousek – Ithaka Hospitality Partners
Bertram McKowin – Aloha Hospitality / Baumhower’s
Marvin Morales – Perdido Beach Resort
Travis Pittman – PP Hospitality Group
Olga Tyus – The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
Heart of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year
Eddie Dubose – Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook – Outstanding Star
Bert Bellcase – Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
Roy Dillon – Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
William Mitchell – The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Brenda Murphy – The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
Mark Thomas – Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
Liliana Trujillo – Ithaka Hospitality Partners
Back of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year:
Judson Gonzales – Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa- Outstanding Star
Stan Barefield -Vintage Hospitality Group
Deunta Dunning – PP Hospitality Group
De’Angelo Griffin – The Depot
Cory Steadham – Steelwood Country Club
Nicholas Teates – The Depot
Hospitality Department Manager of the Year
Jessie Radcliff – Perdido Beach Resort – Outstanding Star
Edneva Ayers -Huntsville Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center
Wade Combs – Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Kim Koger – Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa
Jonathan McKinney -Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Julie Mosley -Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook
Mike Tatham – Valley Hotel
Tim Tribo – The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Brandon Zeller – ChurchStreet Family – Outstanding Star
Robin Bashinsky – Blueroot
Cori Gaston – PP Hospitality Group
Amber Harris – Steelwood Country Club
Robyn Johnston – Vintage Café
Lee Jones – Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina
Justin Owens – 23 Court Cigar Bar
Spirit Award
Velpo Buckhanon – Ithaka Hospitality Partners – Outstanding Star
Celina Aleman – Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa
Allison Flowers – The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Ashley Rambo – Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
Anthony Terling – Auburn Opelika Tourism