Officials with the Iowa Restaurant Association based in West Des Moines, report that on Monday, November 16^th the Association will present its annual state hospitality awards at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.  New this year is a Rural Operator of the Year Award which was created to recognize the role and importance of restaurants and taverns in Iowa communities with fewer than 1,000 people. The inaugural recipient of this award is Mike Muller of Grace on Main in Elk Horn (population 610).

Jessica Dunker President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, says “This event is a much needed celebration of one of Iowa’s most resilient and important industries. After the challenges we’ve faced this year, we’re ready to honor hospitality professionals who exemplify innovation and business acumen, as well as shine a light on the significant contributions they’ve made to their communities and Iowa’s hospitality culture.”

2020 Award Winners include:

• Operator of the Year– Matt Johnson, Barley’s Bar, Council Bluffs
• Chef of the Year– Chef Jeremy Moskowitz, Duck City Bistro, Davenport
• Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year – Katy Nelson, Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines
• Hospitality Employee of the Year– David Basinger, Rodina, Cedar Rapids
• American Dream Award– Suman Hoque, HoQ, Des Moines
• Faces of Diversity Award– Lorena Bryan, Delicias by Lorena, Des Moines
• Purveyor Partner of the Year– Justin Woodard, Sysco Iowa, Ankeny
• Industry Champion– Ryan Achterhoff, Pizza Ranch, Orange City
• ProStart Educator of Excellence – LaRae Arment, Alburnett High School, Alburnett
• Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award– Nick Kuhn, The Hall DSM, West Des Moines
• Legislator of the Year– Senator Craig Johnson, Senate District 32, Independence

In addition to the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony which will feature the honorees, the Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala featuring food and beverage from its statewide Culinary and Mixology Competitions.   Attendees will be able to sample the competition dishes from Iowa chefs as well as cocktail creations from the state’s top mixologists.

Attendees will be able to cast a vote for their favorite dish and cocktail. Wine pairings and spirits will also be available to sample. The tasting event begins at 4:00 pm followed by the awards program at 5:30 pm.   The event is open to the public, Tickets are $25 and available at www.restaurantiowa.com