2025 Hospitality Industry Awards-Nomination Form

• Manager of the Year
  • This award recognizes a hospitality manager who exemplifies exceptional leadership and operational expertise. This individual fosters a positive workplace culture, delivers outstanding guest experiences, and ensures smooth, efficient operations. They balance day-to-day responsibilities with long-term goals, building strong teams, supporting staff development, and keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line. This award honors a manager who goes above and beyond to lead with integrity, inspire others, and elevate the overall dining experience.
• Chef of the Year
  • This award honors an extraordinary chef in New Mexico who reflects culinary excellence, creativity, and leadership. More than a master of their craft, this individual enhances the dining experience through innovation, passion, and a commitment to quality both in and out of the kitchen. The award celebrates chefs who not only elevate their own establishments but also contribute to the broader food service community through mentorship, guest service, and support of the local culinary scene.
• Community Service Award - has replaced our former “Restaurant Neighbor” award.
  • This award acknowledges those actively dedicated to community service and charitable giving. Can illustrate this activism through specific projects, campaigns, and involvement. These nominees have significantly impacted their community through their philanthropic efforts and dedication to giving back.
• Faces of Diversity
  • This award honors an individual whose personal journey and professional accomplishments reflect the rich diversity of the hospitality industry. It celebrates those who have overcome adversity and now serve as leaders and role models. The award recognizes the vital role restaurants play as pathways to opportunity, offering individuals from all walks of life a chance to thrive. Nominees may represent diversity in many forms, including cultural background, race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and mental or physical abilities. This award raises awareness of the value diverse life experiences bring to our industry and the importance of fostering an inclusive, equitable environment for all.
• Restaurateur of the Year
  • This prestigious award represents the highest honor in New Mexico’s restaurant industry. It recognizes an owner or operator who demonstrates proven leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to hospitality. The recipient is a driving force behind a successful restaurant and plays a pivotal role in elevating the industry as a whole. Through their commitment to excellence, community involvement, and forward-thinking approach, this individual sets a high standard for others to follow and contributes meaningfully to the growth and impact of the hospitality sector.

Nomination Deadline:
Monday, August 4, 2025, at Midnight

One nominee per form. If you wish to nominate more than one individual, please complete a separate nomination form for each.

All nominees will be notified of their nomination(s) and contacted to provide additional information. 

Nominees are not provided with complimentary tickets to the event.

Would you like to sponsor a nominee? Email Michelle for more details.