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.
“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry,” said Association CEO Marisa Bidois. “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.”
The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom 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.
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 were 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.
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.
2018 ROTORUA HOSPITALITY AWARDS WINNERS
- 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
