The spotlight was on New Mexico’s culinary community as the New Mexico Restaurant Association unveiled the winners of the 2025 Hospitality Industry Awards. Held on September 29 at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, the evening embraced the vibrant energy of Havana Nights— where tropical flair met timeless elegance, and the state’s most outstanding hospitality professionals were honored in style.

Celebrating leadership rooted in purpose, the NMRA proudly names Russell Hernandez of Salud de Mesilla in Mesilla as the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year. From his start as a high school intern to his current role as both restaurateur and Mayor of Mesilla, Hernandez has built more than a business—he’s built a movement. His team thrives in a culture of mentorship and pride, while his advocacy work with the National Restaurant Association helps shape policies that protect and uplift the industry. Hernandez’s philosophy is simple: take care of your people, and they’ll take care of the guests. His work is a testament to what hospitality can achieve when it’s powered by inclusion, opportunity, and heart.

Honoring culinary excellence and mentorship, the NMRA proudly recognizes Chef Henrique Valdovinos, Chef and Owner of Herencia in Albuquerque, as the 2025 Chef of the Year. Valdovinos leads with purpose, transforming his kitchen into a space where tradition meets innovation and young chefs find their voice. His bold, modern interpretations of Mexico City’s flavors have redefined heritage cuisine for today’s diners, while his “teach it forward” ethos continues to shape the next generation of culinary talent.

The New Mexico Restaurant Association is proud to announce Ronnie Padilla, General Manager of El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina in Albuquerque, as this year’s Manager of the Year. With over four decades in the industry, Padilla has built a legacy defined by structured leadership, heartfelt mentorship, and operational excellence. His commitment to clear systems and daily check-ins fosters a workplace rooted in respect, stability, and pride. As Padilla himself puts it, “Exceptional service starts with structure and ends with heart”—a philosophy he lives every day.

Celebrating service beyond the plate, the NMRA is thrilled to name Adam Medina Sr. of Ranchos Plaza Grill in Taos as the 2025 Community Service Award winner. Medina has spent over two decades using food as a tool for connection—donating meals, mentoring youth, and showing up for his Northern New Mexico community with heart and purpose. His outreach and leadership have helped unite the region around a shared mission: to support future chefs and preserve the spirit of New Mexican hospitality for generations to come.

Championing equity through action, the NMRA proudly honors Hue-Chan Karels, Chef and Owner of Alkeme in Santa Fe, as the 2025 Faces of Diversity Award winner. Karels began her journey as a refugee and has built a restaurant that celebrates heritage, empowers marginalized voices, and leads with intention. Her team—intentionally composed of women and immigrants—reflects a commitment to inclusion that defines both their leadership and their cuisine. With Alkeme recently named a James Beard Award Semifinalist, Karels continues to inspire through bold flavors and transformative storytelling.

The New Mexico ProStart Program is a high school curriculum that teaches culinary, management and hospitality education in 36 high schools in New Mexico. Students completing the program have trained for over 400 hours and are well-equipped to enter the workforce in the hospitality industry. Taos High was recognized as the winner for the management competition. For the culinary competition, Taos High School was recognized as the winner. The 2024 winner of the Hospitality Cup, the school with the best score combined in the culinary and management competitions, is Taos High School.

The 2025 ProStart Teacher of the year is Amanda Hale, Carlsbad High School

Photos of the event, photos of the winners, and more details on the winners are available upon request to NMRA at 505-343-9848