The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at a gala dinner held at the Energy Events Centre.
The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Rotorua hospitality industry.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says
“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Rotorua Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the region. Congratulations to all winners.”
With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.
Phil Elliot from Atticus Finch took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, and aspiring chef Bethany-May Allen from Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua was awarded Emerging Chef. The team at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar – Skyline Rotorua took out the Outstanding Front of House Team honour, and Regent of Rotorua proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.
Third Place Café was presented Outstanding Café for a second year running, with Outstanding Barista honours going to Grace Choi, McDonalds Fenton Street.
Urbano Bistro was awarded Outstanding Design & Ambience with Indian Star Restaurant picking up top honours for Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant. Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar awarded Outstanding Bartender and Brew Craft Beer Pub was named Outstanding Bar.
After an impressive 8,500 votes received, the coveted People’s Choice Award went to Scope Rotorua.
Ray Singh of Indian Star Restaurant was awarded Icon of Hospitality for his dedication to the industry spanning over 25 years, with 18 of them contributing to the flourishing scene Rotorua hospitality of today.
Guests were treated to a delectable selection of local produce and beverages and entertainment by local DJ Shane Schwalger.
For more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz\Rotorua.
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.
2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists
More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista
Grace Choi, McDonalds
Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café
Third Place Café
Hancocks Outstanding Bartender
Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
Lion Breweries Bar
BREW Craft Beer Pub
Hospitality Management Systems Front of House Team
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, Skyline Rotorua
Tabasco Emerging Chef – Bethany-May Allen, Peppers on the Point
Lake Rotorua
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Outstanding Chef
Phil Elliot, Atticus Finch
Indian Star Emerging Business
El Mexicano Zapata
OneMusic Outstanding Design & Ambience
Urbano Bistro
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Regent of Rotorua
GrabOne Outstanding Takeout
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill
Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
Rohan Knowles, Diverse Distributors
Eurest Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood Rotorua
Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
Rotorua Night Market
Rotorua Lakes Council Peoples Choice
Scope Rotorua
Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality
Ray Singh