HOSPITALITY TENNESSEE HONORS “STARS OF THE INDUSTRY”

Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 13. 2022) – Hospitality Tennessee (HTN), the statewide association representing the interests of the state’s lodging, dining, and tourism industries, honored its 2022 industry all-stars at the annual “Stars of the Industry” awards luncheon, held Wednesday October 12 at the Nashville Zoo.

“Hospitality and tourism make up the state’s second largest industry,” said HTN President & CEO, Sara Beth Urban. “The individuals and companies we honor with these awards are the driving force behind that success. They provide the top-notch guest service that keeps people coming back to Tennessee. The winners were selected to receive these honors by people who truly understand the level of commitment that is required to provide excellent service to customers on a daily basis – their peers.  We’re honored to have them as part of our membership, and we congratulate them on a job well done!”

The Hotelier of the Year, Restaurateur, and Tourism Professional of the Year Awards are the pinnacle of recognition in Tennessee hospitality and tourism. Winners of these prestigious awards have dedicated their careers to the success of the field and have made fundamental contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry in Tennessee. Each year’s nominees and winners are hand-selected by a distinguished panel of previous winners and are chosen for their shining character, demonstrated work ethic, leadership ability, and inspiring vision.

2022 Hotelier of the Year
Jackelyn Schafer
The Park Visa, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

2022 Restaurateur of the Year
Diane Kauker
Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

2022 Tourism Professional of the Year
Leon Downey
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

The “Stars of the Industry Awards” are presented to individuals, companies, and industry partners whose commitment to hospitality and tourism has improved the overall industry statewide and has allowed the industry to ‘wow’ guests on a daily basis. This year’s winners epitomize the true spirit of hospitality that makes Tennessee a great place to live and visit.

Community Service Award – Lodging Property
The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton - Park Vista Cares

Community Service Award – Tourism Property
Country Tonite Theatre Pigeon Forge

Gold Star Public Relations Award - Guest Relations Award – Small Property
Keandra Smith – Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Chattanooga

Good Earth Keeping Award - Tourism Property
Rock City – See Rock City Inc.

Special Event Award – Lodging Property
Mountain Laurel Chalets - Hometown Heroes

Special Event Award – Tourism Property
Ruby Falls – 100-Million Steps in March

Women in Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year
Mary Bogert - Knoxville Convention Center

HTN Attraction of the Year
Dollywood

HTN Destination Marketing Organization of the Year
Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

HTN Allied Vendor of the Year
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Chattanooga

Lodging Employee of the Year – Small Property
Chris Baker – Fairfield Nashville Downtown-The Gulch

Lodging General Manager of the Year – Small Property
Anthony Brutto - Loretta Lynn Ranch

Lodging Manager of the Year – Large Property
Johnny Whitlock – The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton

Lodging Manager of the Year – Small Property
Lisa Grunwald – Embassy Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place

Chef of the Year – Chain Property
Ian Scruggs – Puckett’s - Pigeon Forge                                                                                                                                                  

Chef of the Year – Independent Property
Max Hussey – Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

 Restaurant Employee of the Year – Chain Property
Josiah Terlecki – Puckett’s-Chattanooga

Restaurant Employee of the Year – Independent Property
Harlon Ramos – Quaker Steak & Lube

Restaurant Manager of the Year – Chain Property
Christy Bentley – Flapjacks Pancake Cabins

Restaurant Manager of the Year – Independent Property
John Seffernick – Chesapeake’s - Gatlinburg

Tourism Employee of the Year – Large Organization
Heather Romines – Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Tourism Manager of the Year – Large Organization
Ashley Meeks – Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

HTN Young Professional Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
Josh Norris – Smoky Mountain Overnight Rentals