The Iowa Restaurant Association (IRA) announced its statewide winners of their Celebrating Excellence Awards, “recognizing individuals and businesses whose leadership, service, and contributions have made a significant impact on Iowa’s hospitality industry.”
The winners of the awards will be honored at a celebration in Altoona in October, according to a news release from Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Barrett’s in Coralville received the Chef of the Year award for Chef Cory Barrett, a renowned chef throughout the Midwest.
Hacienda Las Glorias in Cedar Rapids and the establishment owner, Edgar Barrios, received the American Dream award.
The Sustainability Innovator of the Year award was given to Molly Kirby and Connor Jenkins of Iowa City’s Kindred Coffee.
Other awarded locations included B-Bop’s, Proudfoot and Bird, and Simon’s in Des Moines, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther, Martini’s Grille in Burlington, Carlisle Watering Hole in Carlisle, Schera’s Restaurant & Bar in Elkader, Ecolab in St, Paul, Minn., and Pat Grassley as Legislator of the Year.
This year’s winners will be honored during a ceremony at Prairie Meadows in Altoona on Monday, Oct. 19, along with the IRA’s eighth class of 40 Women to Watch in Iowa’s Hospitality Industry. The event will take place shortly after the IRA’s Iowa Hospitality Showcase and Tasting Gala. Attendees will be able to vote on the People’s Choice award and taste renowned dishes during the IRA’s Culinary Competition.
“Each year, the Association’s Celebrating Excellence Awards recognize some of the incredible people who make Iowa’s hospitality industry special,” said Jessica Dunker, IRA president & CEO. “This year’s honorees come from communities across the state and represent the wide range of restaurants and hospitality businesses that make up our industry, but they share a commitment to excellence, their teams and guests, and the communities they call home.”
Dining and Cooking