2013
AWARDS
O
n Monday, Sept. 23, the New
Mexico Restaurant Association
(NMRA) hosted the annual Hos-
pitality Industry Awards (HIA) at Route 66
Hotel and Casino. The headline sponsor
for the event was Sysco New Mexico for the
fifth consecutive year.
The awards ceremony featured guest speak-
er, Governor Susana Martinez, who talked
about the restaurant industry and the jobs
it continues to add to the economy. The
emcee was John Garcia, the Albuquerque
Director of Economic Development.
The Award winners for 2013 are as follows:
• Restaurateur of the Year: Tom and Jerean
Hutchinson, owners of La Posta de Mesilla
• Restaurant Neighbor Award: Dale and
Janie Balzano, owners of Trinity Hotel
• Manager of the Year: John Christopher
from Village Inn, Los Lunas
• Chef of the Year: Leslie Chavez from Teco-
lote Café
• Front of the House Employee Excellence
Award: Collette Caskie from De la Vega’s
Pecan Grill
• Back of the House Employee Excellence
Award: Andy Twomey from Black Mesa
Coffee Company
The Restaurateur of the Year Award is the
highest honor a person can receive at HIA.
Last year’s winner was Buddy Ritter from
Double Eagle de Mesilla.
The event hosted 500 people in attendance
from all parts of New Mexico and all aspects
of the restaurant industry including own-
ers, managers and employees. Attendees en-
joyed a hosted reception and a four-course
dinner prepared by Route 66 staff, which in-
cluded a dessert made of layered chocolate
and whipped cream cake laced with mocha
butter cream and an almond meringue.
hia awards
continue
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
by Ashley Novachich, Communications Specialist
Governor Susana Martinez gives a welcome speech to kick-off the award ceremony.
HIEF students mingle with some of NM's successful restaurateurs.
4th Quarter 2013-2014 13
