The Iowa Restaurant Association will honor this year’s award winners Nov. 18 at the Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. 

Winners include: 
Restaurateur: Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines.
Chef: Kevin Scharpf, Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, Dubuque.
Emerging Hospitality Leader: Chris Diebel, Bubba and Teddy Maroon’s, Des Moines.  
Employee: Emily Hudson, Hemispheres Bistro, Bettendorf. 
American Dream Award Winner: Chef Austina Smith, Grand Living at Bridgewater, Coralville.
Faces of Diversity Award: Chef Bobby Singleton, Cashus Italian Cuisine, Batavia.
Purveyor Partner: Brad Korkow, Society Insurance, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Industry Champion: Mike Holms, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill and Jethro’s BBQ, Des Moines.
ProStart Educator of Excellence: Jane Hoegh, Hampton-Dumont High School, Hampton.
ProStart Mentor: Chef Michael Gabrielson, Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf.
Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award: Kim Brown, Inspired Luncheonette, Readlyn.
Legislator: Sen. Carrie Koelker, Senate District 29, Dyersville.

Details about the gala and related events are available here.