Voting Is Open for the HOSPYS, the New Colorado Restaurant Association Industry Awards

MAKfam's chef/owner Kenneth Wan is a finalist for Chef of the Year. Jeff Fierberg / MAKfam

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The Colorado Restaurant Association has revamped its annual industry awards and public voting is now open for the first HOSPYS, which will replace the CRA's long-running Industry Spotlight Awards.

“Colorado’s culinary scene is earning lots of national attention, as well it should, and the CRA is happy to add to the chorus, shining a local light on the hard-working, talented professionals and impactful businesses that make our communities feel like home,” says CRA President and CEO Sonia Riggs in a press release announcing the news. “The HOSPY Awards are meant to elevate and celebrate our community, which represents more than 10 percent of Colorado’s workforce and is a key driver of the state’s economy.”

Beginning in July, members of the public submitted online nominations for categories such as Food Truck of the Year, Front-of-House Employee of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Chef of the Year. Finalists were selected by a nominating committee made up of statewide media and industry professionals.

click to enlarge

The Tezcalate at Xiquita, created by pastry chef Hannah Lavoy, who is up for Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year.

Xiquita

Those 34 finalists include restaurants and industry professionals from across Colorado, and anyone can cast a vote for their picks in ten categories through October 24. The public votes and the nominating committee will determine the winners, who will be revealed live at the 2024 HOSPY Awards Gala that will take place on Wednesday, November 6, at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. James Beard Foundation Award-winning author and speaker Adrian Miller will emcee the awards ceremony at the gala.

Three additional awards will also be presented during the gala: Legacy Employee of the Year (Miranda McFarlan-Garcia, Colorado GM, Richard Sandoval Hospitality); Community Partner of the Year (US Foods); and Philanthropist of the Year (Richard and Jessica Fierro, Atrevida Beer Co. in Colorado Springs).

To see the full list of finalists, cast your vote and get tickets to the gala, visit corestaurant.org/co-hospy-awards.