As we’re frequently reminded, everything is harder than it should be, but pleasing the public is hardest of all. Still, some stars in the hospitality industry generally and the restaurant sector specifically shine. A couple of state organizations recognized these stars last week.
The Arkansas Hospitality Association’s 2017 Stars of the Industry Awards recognized, among others:
- Michael Chaffin, COO of the Capital Hotel, with the Golden Key Award
- Kalene Griffith, CEO of Visit Bentonville, the Silver Cup Award
- Jim Rice, senior VP of operations at the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall of Fame
- and David Stobaugh, owner of Stoby’s restaurants in Conway and Russellville, Salut au Restaurateur of the Year.
Meanwhile, the Department of Arkansas Heritage inducted the members of the 2017 class of the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, which was launched in September to recognize great restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events across the state.
Inducted into the Food Hall of Fame were Jones Bar-B-Q Diner of Marianna, Lassis Inn of Little Rock and Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales of Lake Village.
Honored as Proprietors of the Year were Paul Bash, Ed Moore, Louis Petit and Denis Seyer for their Continental Cuisine partnership, a restaurant company affiliated with influential Arkansas restaurants, including Jacques & Suzanne.
The Cave City Watermelon Festival in Sharp County was recognized in the category of Food-Themed Events. And the People’s Choice Award went to Grotto Wood-Fired Grill & Wine Cave in Eureka Springs.