Right now, it’s time to nominate! Nomination forms for Hospitality Industry Awards must be received no later than Friday, July 5, 2017. The categories are:
Restaurateur of the Year
The “Restaurateur of the Year” award is the highest honor a person can receive in the New Mexico restaurant industry. Nominees may be an individual or a partnership with one or more foodservice operations. Only one award is given, so make your nomination count! To be eligible for New Mexico’s outstanding “Restaurateur of the Year,” the nominee must be someone who:
– Contributes to the advancement and prestige of the foodservice industry
– Is actively engaged and employed in the foodservice industry for a minimum of the past three consecutive years as a restaurant owner or manager
– Demonstrates contributions of leadership, service, and involvement in community and/or civic affairs
– Exemplifies excellence in customer service, employee relations, innovation, and passion for the industry
Chef of the Year
The “Chef of the Year” category was established to recognize an exemplary chef in New Mexico. To be eligible for New Mexico’s outstanding “Chef of the Year,” the nominee must be someone who:
– Contributes to the advancement and prestige of the foodservice industry
– Is currently employed in the foodservice industry in New Mexico, and has been actively engaged and employed in the foodservice industry for a minimum of the past three consecutive years
– Demonstrates leadership, creativity, and culinary excellence in their workplace
– Exemplifies remarkable guest service, mentorship, and quality inside and outside the kitchen
The “Manager of the Year” honors and acknowledges deserving restaurant managers. Many of New Mexico’s restaurants are operated on a daily basis by outstanding managers. To be eligible for New Mexico’s outstanding “Manager of the Year,” the nominee must be someone who:
– Contributes to the advancement and prestige of the foodservice industry
– Is employed in a managerial position, and has been actively engaged and employed in the foodservice industry for a minimum of the past three consecutive years
– Exemplifies outstanding managerial skills including team building, customer service, and facilitation of a remarkable dining experienceRestaurant Neighbor Award
Each year, the New Mexico Restaurant Association honors restaurants that are actively involved in community service with the Restaurant Neighbor Award. Restaurants may nominate themselves for this award. To be eligible for New Mexico’s outstanding “Restaurant Neighbor Award,” the nominee must be an owner or establishment who:
– Is actively committed to community service and charitable giving and can illustrate this activism through specific projects, campaigns, and involvement
– Can detail their community service activities with facts and figures and testimonials
Server of the Year Award
This award allows owners, managers, supervisors, co-workers and the general public the opportunity to reward employees who have given exceptional service to guests, the community, and the hospitality industry. This category is open to all Hosts, Servers & Bar Staff. Each nominee must be someone who:
– Demonstrates outstanding performance that goes over and beyond normal job responsibilities
– Exemplifies excellence in dedication and service to their guests, peers, and community
Heroes Who Serve Award
This award provides the opportunity to honor members of the hospitality and restaurant industry who currently serve or have previously served as a First Responder or as a member of our Armed Forces. Our industry is filled with people who not only serve their community through their dedication to the restaurant industry, but who also serve their community through their work as every day Heroes. All those nominated will be recognized at the event. This category is open to anyone who:
– Is currently employed in the restaurant industry.
– Is currently or has at any time been a member of the Armed Forces (any branch) or has served as a First Responder
