Alabama Culinary Stars Shine: The culinary and leisure scene in Alabama keeps getting livelier, and the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA) is adding even more zest to it. On October 30 in Birmingham, they honored exceptional individuals in the industryranging from Chef of the Year to Tourism Promoter of the Year and beyond.
Discover all about this year’s Stars of the Industry winners and find your next delicious road trip destination for fantastic eats and accommodations.
Chef Panini Pete Blohme
One of the most prestigious awards presented each autumn is the Chef of the Year accolade. This year, the honor went to Chef ‘Panini’ Pete Blohme, renowned on the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Despite his recent appearance on Food Network (one of many), Chef Panini Pete has a rich history of kitchen triumphs. Originally from Chicago and raised in Florida, Blohme pursued his culinary passion in New York, graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. In 2006, he established the now-iconic Panini Pete’s Cafe and Bakeshoppe in Fairhope’s French Quarter.
Justin Owens | 23 Court Cigar Bar
Justin Owens, a beloved bartender in Montgomery and the general manager of 23 Court Cigar Bar, has become a prominent figure in Alabama’s capital. As part of downtown’s revitalization, 23 Court is a sophisticated venue where both locals and visitors can unwind with a cigar and a drink. Owens, a Montgomery native, clinched the Bartender of the Year award this year.
ALSO READ: Rock the South 2024: Impressive Lineup with Eric Church, HARDY, and Jelly Roll
Matt + Stephanie Mell | ChurchStreet Family Hospitality + Restaurant Group
Matt and Stephanie Mell, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind ChurchStreet Family Hospitality + Restaurants Group, have secured the prestigious Restaurateur of the Year award in Huntsville. With a strong presence in North Alabama, they started their journey with ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe in 2014 and have since expanded their portfolio to include diverse establishments, from an Italian restaurant in a historic home to a piano bar on one of downtown’s bustling streets. Their creative flair has left an indelible mark on Huntsville’s vibrant food scene.
Alabama Restaurant + Hospitality Association 2023 winners
ARHA celebrated the excellence of individuals in Alabama’s food and hospitality sector with a range of prestigious awards:
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Ryals | Huntsville/Madison County Convention + Visitors Bureau
– Hotelier of the Year: Josh Head | The Laurel Hotel & Spa
– Small Hotelier of the Year: Sanjay Patel | Baron Hospitality
– Tourism Promoter of the Year: Melea Hames | Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
– Best New Culinarian of the Year: Agustin Echazarreta | The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
– Supplier of the Year: Croix
– Humanitarian of the Year: David & Joe Maluff | Full Moon BBQ
– Front of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Rose Stankova | Perdido Beach Resort | Outstanding Star
– Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year: Thomas McKelvy | The Depot | Outstanding Star
– Heart of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Eddie Dubose | Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook | Outstanding Star
– Back of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year: Judson Gonzales | Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa | Outstanding Star
– Hospitality Department Manager of the Year: Jessie Radcliff | Perdido Beach Resort | Outstanding Star
– Restaurant Manager of the Year: Brandon Zeller | ChurchStreet Family | Outstanding Star
– Spirit Award: Velpo Buckhanon | Ithaka Hospitality Partners | Outstanding Star