Hospitality Minnesota Announces Stars of the Industry Award Finalists
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 5, 2025) — Hospitality Minnesota is proud to announce the finalists for the annual Stars of the Industry Awards. These prestigious awards recognize the exceptional individuals and companies who exemplify dedication, leadership, and operational excellence across Minnesota's restaurant, lodging, resort and campground sectors.
2025 Stars of the Industry Finalists
CATERER OF THE YEAR
- Linwood Campbell – Kelber Catering
- Sarah Enrico – Food Gallery Catering
- Julia Hurtley – MHC Culinary Group
CHEF OF THE YEAR
- Josh Brown – D’Amico Hospitality
- John Kraus – Patisserie 46
- Shane Streitz – Kelber Catering
DAVID BURLEY INNOVATION IN HOSPITALITY AWARD
The winner for this special legacy award will be announced at the ceremony
HALL OF FAME
- Steve Benowitz – Craft and Crew Hospitality
- John Schiltz – Lake Elmo Inn
- Jason Subbert – TPI Hospitality - Fairmont
HOTEL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
- Julienne Borrman – The Saint Paul Hotel
- Scott Eisenach – Hampton Inn Eden Prairie
- Nicole Fitzgerald – Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel - The Depot
HOTELIER OF THE YEAR (OWNER/OPERATOR)
- Lisa Capp – Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
- John Dammermann – TPI Hospitality
- Preston Lougheed – Terratron, Inc.
RESORT/CAMPGROUND EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
- Carol Caskey – Beacon Pointe
- Jack Wawro – Cragun’s Resort
- Iryna Wester – Grandview Lodge
RESORT/CAMPGROUND OF THE YEAR (OWNER/OPERATOR)
- John & Mindy Fredrikson – Gunflint Lodge
- Heather & Brian Sams – Campfire Bay Resort
- Dawn Southworth – Grandview Lodge
RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
- Nadeen Gatewood – Green Mill Restaurant - Fairmont
- Anthony Lucken – Vagabondo
- Molly Otto – Zanz Mexican Restaurant
RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR (OWNER/OPERATOR)
- Brent Frederick – Jester Concepts
- Natalie Victoria – Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar
- Trista Vogelpohl – Green Mill Restaurant - Willmar
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Event Details
The winners will be announced at the annual Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony. Members of the industry and the public are invited to attend this evening of recognition and celebration.
- Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
- Location: The Lofton Hotel, Downtown Minneapolis
About Hospitality Minnesota: Hospitality Minnesota is the leading advocate and resource for Minnesota's restaurant, lodging, resort, and campground industries; representing thousands of businesses across the state.
Contact:
Tony Burton, Communications Manager
Hospitality Minnesota
651-925-4016
tony@hospitalitymn.com