DES MOINES, IOWA (October 28, 2019) — On November 18, in conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Convention and Expo, the Iowa Restaurant Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. This year’s winners include:
2019 Award Winners
Restaurateur — Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines
Chef — Chef Kevin Scharpf, Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, Dubuque
Emerging Hospitality Leader — Chris Diebel, Bubba & Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines
Employee — Emily Hudson, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf
American Dream Award Winner — Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville
Faces of Diversity Award — Chef Bobby Singleton, Cashus Italian Cuisine, Batavia
Purveyor Partner — Brad Korkow, Society Insurance, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Industry Champion — Mike Holms, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill and Jethro’s BBQ, Des Moines
ProStart Educator of Excellence — Jane Hoegh, Hampton-Dumont High School, Hampton
ProStart Mentor — Chef Michael Gabrielson, Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award — Kim Brown, Inspired Luncheonette, Readlyn
Legislator — Senator Carrie Koelker, Senate District 29, Dyersville
Prior to the awards ceremony, the Association will host its annual Grand Tasting Gala. The Gala will be from 3-4PM and allows the public to celebrate with the award winners as well as sample dishes from the Iowa Restaurant Association’s statewide culinary competition. Attendees will also cast a vote in a People’s Choice Award. There will be spirits, wine and beer samples, live music, and more. Tickets are $39 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com.
All of the awards are presented by the Iowa Restaurant Association, an advocacy organization supporting the state's restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. The 2019 Celebrating Excellence Awards presenting sponsor is Sysco Iowa.
