Colorado Restaurant Association Announces 2024 HOSPY Award Winners

The Colorado Restaurant Association revamped its annual industry awards this year, introducing the HOSPYs, which replaced the CRA’s long-running Industry Spotlight Awards.

Beginning in July, members of the public submitted online nominations in 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 media and industry professionals from around the state; public voting to pick the winners opened in late September.

On November 6, finalists gathered at the inaugural HOSPY Awards Gala at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex to find out who nabbed this year’s awards at a ceremony that opened with remarks from Colorado Governor Jared Polis and was led by emcee and award-winning author Adrian Miller.

At a ceremony last month, the CRA also inducted four local hospitality professionals into the Colorado Foodservice Hall of Fame, which has honored “individuals who have served as an inspiration and example through their long careers in service and significant contributions to the local restaurant industry” since 1978, according to a press release. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Michael Coughlin of 240 Union in Lakewood; Lari Goode and Mark Fischer of Six 89 and Phat Thai in Carbondale and the Pullman in Glenwood Springs; and Chad Scothorn of Cosmopolitan in Telluride.

Here are the 2024 HOSPY award winners:

Restaurant of the Year
Annette, Aurora

Chef of the Year
Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver

Newcomer Restaurant of the Year
Sắp Sửa, Denver

Food Truck of the Year
Pali Thai, Palisade

Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year
Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker

Bartender of the Year
Keith Webber, Mountain Standard, Vail

Front-of-House Employee of the Year
Jenne Harris, Stone Cellar Bistro, Arvada

Back-of-House Employee of the Year
Ricardo Tyrell, Salt & Lime, Steamboat

Manager of the Year
Angelina Allen, 626 On Rood, Grand Junction

Operator of the Year
Chris Schmidt, Craftsman Brew Co., Bird Craft, and Il Mago, Edwards and Frisco

Legacy Employee of the Year
Miranda McFarlan-Garcia, Richard Sandoval Hospitality, Denver and Snowmass

Community Partner of the Year
US Foods

Philanthropists of the Year
Jessica and Richard Fierro, Atrevida Beer Co., Colorado Springs

Richard P. Ayers Distinguished Service Award
Catherine Cooney, Cooney Consulting and Recruiting