Honoring Colorado’s Hospitality Leaders: A Recap of the Colorado Restaurant Association’s 2025 HOSPY Awards

Written By Behind T. Apron

On Monday, November 10, the Colorado hospitality community gathered at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for the Colorado Restaurant Association’s 2025 HOSPY Awards Gala.

2025 Colorado Restaurant Association’s 2025 HOSPY Awards Nominees

The HOSPY Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who make Colorado’s restaurant and hospitality industry thrive, from cooks and bartenders to restaurateurs, food truck operators, and community partners. The awards celebrate excellence, creativity, leadership, and service across all corners of our state’s dynamic food-and-beverage scene.


Hosted by James Beard Award–winning author and speaker Adrian Miller, and Colorado Restaurant Association President & CEO, Sonia Riggs, the 2025 gala brought together culinary professionals, industry advocates, and special guests including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie to honor the talent that defines Colorado dining.

Congratulations to the 2025 HOSPY Award Winners

This year, the Colorado Restaurant Association recognized excellence across 13 categories, with winners selected through a combination of public voting and committee evaluation.

Front-of-House Employee of the Year
Laine Droski, FOH Team Member, Leven Deli Co. (Denver)

Back-of-House Employee of the Year
Alondra Ramos, Lead Line Cook, Restaurant Olivia (Denver)

Bartender of the Year
Scott Hanley, Bartender, The Candlelight Tavern (Denver)

Beverage Professional of the Year
Gavin Bistodeau, Owner/Founder, Melrose Spirit Co. (Grand Junction)

Manager of the Year
Jenny Knickerbocker, Regional VP of Operations, Destination Hospitality (Steamboat Springs)

Food Truck of the Year
Sunny Sky Pies (Fort Collins)

Operator of the Year
Mary Nguyen, Olive & Finch Collective (Denver, Aurora)

Newcomer Restaurant of the Year
Champagne Tiger (Denver)

Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year
Ismael de Sousa, Reunion Bread Co. (Denver)

Chef of the Year
An Nguyen, Dân Dã (Aurora)

Restaurant of the Year
Bin 707 (Grand Junction)

Legacy Employee of the Year
Chris Seres, Assistant General Manager, The Fort (Morrison)

Community Partner of the Year
Kind Therapy, Inc. (Edgewater)

A special shoutout to all of the incredible nominees whose work continues to elevate the industry, and to the four Season 1 Chef’n It guest chefs recognized among this year’s finalists:

And a heartfelt congratulations to Jenne Harris, Director of Service & Culture/Maître d’ at Bella Colibri in Golden, and last year’s Front-of-House Employee of the Year, for returning to the stage to present this year’s award.

It was a pleasure to attend and photograph this year’s Colorado Restaurant Association's HOSPY Awards. To everyone honored and nominated, your creativity, leadership, and dedication continue to push Colorado’s culinary culture forward.

Behind T. Apron
Next

Four Chefs Featured in ‘Che'f’n It’ nominated for Chef of the Year in 2025 Colorado HOSPY Awards