This May, the New York City Hospitality Alliance, a membership-based association founded in 2012 that aims to foster the growth and vitality of the hospitality industry, will host its inaugural awards ceremony at the iconic Marquee nightclub in Manhattan. The event, which takes place on May 10 from 6:30 to 10 p.m., will showcase the cuisine, cocktails and culture that defines New York City, and will honor restaurants, bars, nightlife establishments, and professionals throughout the five boroughs that have made an impact on the city’s booming hospitality industry.
“We have over 20,000 restaurants, bars and nightclubs in New York City—ranging from your favorite mom & pops to the quintessential fine dining institutions, dive bars to velvet-roped hotspots,” says Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. “We are the hospitality capital of the world and we [at the Alliance] are thrilled to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the incredible contributions these people and businesses have made to our industry.”
Members of the “Nomination Committee,” appointed by Rigie, represent a wide-range of hospitality professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience in New York City’s hospitality industry. Final nominees under each awards category are selected through committee submission, review, and voting.
Award winners are determined by the majority vote submitted by subscribers of the New York City Hospitality Alliance distribution list (*unless otherwise noted), between the voting period of April 14 and April 28, and will be announced at the event.
Award categories and nominees include:
Big Apple Legacy Award—Goes to an individual whose success and influence will leave a lasting impact on the NYC hospitality industry.
Award Winner: Jeffrey Bank, The Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmine’s & Virgil’s Real Barbecue).
Philanthropy Served Here Award—Goes to a hospitality industry company and charitable organization that work together to make the neighborhoods of NYC a more hospitable place—with a focus on the restaurant industry.
Award Winner: fresh&co/Food Education Fund
Next Generation Award—Goes to an up-and-coming or established mover and shaker who is still early in their hospitality industry career *winner will be selected by Judge’s Committee.
John Meadow (LDV Hospitality); Joseph Johnson (The Cecil and Minton’s); Deuki Hong (The Circle Hospitality Group).
The Determination Award—Goes to an individual who started at an entry-level job in the hospitality industry and is now in a leadership role *winner will be selected by Judge’s Committee.
TBD: Hospitality industry professionals requested to submit up to 250-word submission describing a suggested nominee .
Hearts of Hospitality Award presented by Fox Rothschild LLP—Goes to an individual who is recognized for excellence in the profession of human resources in hospitality *winner will be selected by Human Resource Professionals in Hospitality
Angie Buonpane (Union Square Hospitality Group); Susan Spikes (Hill Country Hospitality); Yvonne Mancini (Crafted Hospitality).
Four Stars Award—Goes to a critic/reviewer/writer who has established an industry-following for hospitality news coverage.
Ryan Sutton (Eater New York); Mimi Sheraton (formerly of The New York Times, Time, Conde Nast Traveler, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue); Steve Cuozzo (New York Post)
IHeart Hospitality Award—Goes to a favorite restaurant in each borough as chosen by hospitality industry professionals
IHeart Brooklyn—Peter Luger; Roberta's; al di la Trattoria.
IHeart Bronx—Mike's Deli; Bronx Alehouse; Roberto's; Pasquale's Rigoletto.
IHeart Manhattan—Katz's Delicatessen; Gramercy Tavern; Sylvia's Restaurant, the Queen of Soul Food; RedFarm.
I Heart Queens—Taverna Kyclades; Kabab Café; Phayul.
IHeart Staten Island—Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern; Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret; Ruddy and Dean Steakhouse.
True Taste of NYC Award—Goes to an iconic dish served at an iconic NYC restaurant
2nd Ave Deli (Hot Pastrami Sandwich); Totonno Pizzeria Napolitano (Thin-Crust Coal-Oven Pizza); J.G. Melon (Burger).
Nightowl Club Award presented by E.B. Cohen Insurance & Risk Management – Goes to the important and/or influential club and/or operator
Marquee New York; Brooklyn Bowl; Output.
Nightowl Bar Award presented by E.B. Cohen Insurance & Risk Management—Goes to the important and/or influential bar and/or owner.
Employees Only; 67 Orange Street; Electric Room at Dream Downtown.
#HospitalityGuruAward—Goes to the restaurant with the best food Social Media presence—makes you drool, laugh, and captures your attention
Joe & Misses Doe; Milk Bar/Christina Tosi; Black Tap Burgers.
Hospitality Technology Award – Goes to a technology platform enhancing the way the hospitality industry operates (nominees are members of the Alliance).
ADP; AYC Media; BentoBox; ChefMod; delivery.com; Dine Market; Harri; NCR Aloha; Paycom; Tripleseat; Valiant; Vitabyte POS; Wisely.
