Check out the Photo Gallery from the 2026 Hospitality Industry Awards and relive the night with all the candid shots of you and your crew!

The spotlight was on New Mexico’s hospitality community as the New Mexico Restaurant Association unveiled the winners of the 2026 Hospitality Industry Awards. Held on September 21 at Route 66 Casino & Hotel, the evening marked a milestone celebration of NMRA’s 80th Anniversary and the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66, bringing together the state’s most exceptional hospitality professionals for a night of recognition, legacy, and industry pride.

Celebrating leadership rooted in purpose, the NMRA proudly recognizes George Gundrey of Tomasita’s and Atrisco Café as the 2026 Restaurateur of the Year. Raised in the family business, Gundrey learned every role—from the dish pit to the kitchen—before carrying forward the traditions established by his mother, Georgia Maryol. His stewardship keeps Northern New Mexico cuisine thriving while fostering workplaces built on loyalty, respect, and consistency. Gundrey’s philosophy is grounded in simple recipes, quality ingredients, and taking care of his team—an approach that has sustained some of New Mexico’s most beloved institutions in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and strengthened their connection to the communities they serve.

Honoring culinary excellence and mentorship, the NMRA proudly recognizes Chef Brendan Gochenour, Chef at Inn of the Mountain Gods, as the 2026 Chef of the Year. With more than two decades of culinary experience, Gochenour has built a career defined by skill, service, and a commitment to lifting others. His kitchens thrive under a philosophy rooted in generosity and growth—shaped in part by his long-standing community work with the White Apron Society, where he has helped empower chefs to use their talents for the greater good. Gochenour’s approach blends discipline, creativity, and mentorship, inspiring young culinarians while elevating the dining experience at one of the state’s most iconic destinations.

The New Mexico Restaurant Association is proud to recognize Joey Fernandez, Food & Beverage Manager at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, as this year’s Manager of the Year. Known for his steady leadership and deep commitment to service, Fernandez oversees one of the most unique and high‑volume food operations in the state—feeding thousands of scouts, staff, and visitors throughout the season. His approach blends structure, mentorship, and calm under pressure, creating a workplace where young team members learn, grow, and take pride in their work.

Recognizing service beyond the plate, the NMRA is proud to honor Janice Argabright of the Owl Bar & Café in San Antonio as this year’s Community Service Award recipient. Argabright carries forward one of New Mexico’s most iconic family‑run traditions, using the restaurant’s long‑standing place in the community as a platform for connection, generosity, and local pride. From dollars on the wall to supporting local community nonprofit, her commitment to helping neighbors, uplifting local causes, and preserving the spirit of the Owl Bar & Café reflects a deep belief that hospitality is about more than great food—it’s about showing up for your community with heart and purpose.

Driven by purpose and shaped by resilience, the NMRA proudly honors Jeremiah Richardson, Founder of Proofed Bread Company in Las Cruces, as the 2026 Faces of Diversity Award recipient. A firefighter who discovered healing and direction through baking, Richardson has built a business that champions inclusion, second chances, and community connection. His kitchen is a space where craft meets compassion—intentionally designed to welcome individuals seeking stability, belonging, and a path forward.

Championing partnership and progress across New Mexico’s hospitality landscape, the NMRA proudly recognizes Bill Focke of Ben E. Keith Foods as the 2026  Champion of  the Industry. A trusted leader and advocate, Focke has spent decades strengthening relationships between distributors and operators, ensuring reliability, mentorship, and shared success across the state’s foodservice community.

Honoring a lifetime of leadership and service, the NMRA proudly recognizes Ed Linderman of Butter  Smith’s  Kitchen, Village  Inn  Pancake  House, and Corner  Bakery  Café as the 2026  Lifetime  Achievement  Award recipient. For more than three decades, Linderman has shaped New Mexico’s restaurant community through mentorship, advocacy, and steady stewardship. His enduring commitment to people and progress has strengthened NMRA and the broader hospitality industry, leaving a legacy built on integrity, generosity, and heart.

The New Mexico ProStart Program is a high school curriculum that teaches culinary, management and hospitality education in high schools across New Mexico. Students completing the program have trained for over 400 hours and are well-equipped to enter the workforce in the hospitality industry. Carlsbad High was recognized as the winner for the management competition. For the culinary competition, Carlsbad High School was recognized as the winner. The 2026 winner of the Hospitality Cup, the school with the best score combined in the culinary and management competitions, is Carlsbad High School.

The 2026 ProStart Teacher of the year is Robert Miera, West Mesa 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