The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association announced that 17 Michigan hospitality industry professionals were named as Stars of the Industry at its annual awards dinner.
The Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner recognizes individuals nominated by colleagues or guests for the esteemed title of Star of the Year in their category. The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has hosted the event since 2021.
“The everyday bustle of the restaurant and lodging industry took a break on Monday night to come together and award the staff members that make all the difference in a business’s success,” says Amanda Smith, executive director of the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. “Hosting all of our stellar nominees serves as a reminder of the amazing workforce Michigan’s hospitality industry is fortunate to have every day.”
Employers, coworkers, colleagues, and even guests with exceptional experiences can nominate candidates, and it serves as a fundraiser for the Michigan Hospitality Foundation.
Four categories were awarded through a public vote: Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year, Guest Experience Star of the Year, and Resort Star of the Year. The remaining awards were awarded by the MRLA and MHF.
This year’s winners include:
North Star of the Year: Jack Montgomery, Tulyp Hotel (Holland)
Hospitality Star of the Year: Krystle Tomaszewski, Patton Wings (Grand Blanc)
Legacy Award: Tim Hygh, Senior Advisor at Mackinac Island Tourism (Mackinac Island)
Rising Star of the Year: Ryan Kiefer, Executive Chef of Oliver Woods Retirement Homes (Owosso)
Allied Partner Star of the Year: DirecTV
Bartender Star of the Year: Paige Murphy, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Convention & Visitors Bureau Star of the Year: Brad Barnett, Visit Keweenaw (Keweenaw Peninsula)
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year: Sean Barrett, Vanguard Hotel (Ann Arbor)
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year: Ruth Eddy, Bavarian Inn Lodge (Frankenmuth)
Guest Experience Star of the Year: Jordan Matuschka, Firekeepers Casino & Hotel (Battle Creek)
Heart of the House Star of the Year: Brent Courson, Mainstreet Ventures (Ann Arbor)
HR Professional Star of the Year: Imani Mapp, Shinola Hotel (Detroit)
Manager Star of the Year: Jessica Czachowrski, Alma Brewing Company (Alma)
Room Attendant Star of the Year: Rosa Navarro, MotorCity Casino Hotel (Detroit)
Resort Star of the Year: Hotel Iroquois (Mackinac Island)
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year: Leah Anderson, Mission Point Resort (Mackinac Island)
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year: Norina Cadili, AHC Hospitality (Grand Rapids)
