The mission of the HOSPYS is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement within the Colorado foodservice and hospitality industries. This annual awards program recognizes team members and businesses across the state who serve as leaders and mentors; who have significantly contributed to their businesses and their communities; and who have pushed our great industry forward.
All Colorado restaurants, vendors, and individuals who meet the requirements of the awards category are eligible to be nominated and win each year.*
Nominations will open in July 2024 and the HOSPYS finalists for the year will be announced in the fall. Winners will be revealed at the HOSPYS Gala on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The gala is open to the industry and the public; tickets will be available soon!
HOSPYS Awards Categories
An employee in any role who has demonstrated a legacy of outstanding service and dedication to the hospitality industry in Colorado for 20 years or more; nominees must have worked for at least 10 years at their current place of employment.
An individual in a non-management, front-of-house role with regular customer contact who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado. Possible roles include server, bar back, runner, busser, and host; bartender is excluded.
An individual in a non-management role who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado through demonstrated excellence in cocktail, spirits, beer, wine, and other beverage service.
An individual in a non-management, back-of-house role without regular customer contact who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado. Possible roles include line cook, prep cook, butcher, expo, and dishwasher; chef positions are excluded.
An individual in a management role who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry in Colorado through excellence in team building and mentorship, customer service, and industry operations. Possible roles include kitchen manager, bar manager, and general managers at all levels.
An individual working as a chef in Colorado who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
A mobile foodservice business that demonstrates the highest standards for hospitality and culinary excellence.
A “new on the scene” restaurant making extraordinary contributions to the industry and Colorado dining scene through leadership and excellence in food, beverage, and hospitality. The restaurant must have opened by July 1 of the current awards year and cannot have been open for more than two years.
An individual working as a pastry chef or baker in Colorado who demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
A restaurant that demonstrates outstanding professionalism and significantly contributes to the positive image of the Colorado hospitality industry through culinary excellence and innovation, hospitality, and leadership in their community.
Submit Your Nomination:
*Nominees and award winners do not need to be members of the Colorado Restaurant Association to be eligible, nor is membership a consideration in selecting nominees or winners.
