Walton County Partners with Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association & Emerald Coast CVB to Honor Hospitality Heroes
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – January 31, 2019 – Visit South Walton, the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Emerald Coast CVB teamed up to honor area Hospitality Heroes during an awards event and dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st, 2019 at The Henderson Beach Resort.
Nominees for the award work in the Hospitality and Tourism industry in Walton or Okaloosa Counties and consistently demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond.
“We are proud to participate in honoring our Hospitality Heroes, it’s an excellent way to shine the spotlight on our tourism partners and their dedication to our area,” says Visit South Walton Executive Director, Jay Tusa. “Our region’s economic base is primarily supported by tourism – over 22,000 jobs in Walton County alone, so it’s important that we thank everyone in the hospitality and tourism industry who help make South Walton such a wonderful place to visit, live, work and play”
The Hospitality Heroes award winners each receive a $500 cash prize, plaque and recognition as a local Hospitality Hero.
The winners in each category are:
Best Restaurant Manager: Jason Schiess, Great Southern Café, 45 Central Wine & Sushi Bar, Meltdown on 30A
Best Hotel/Resort Manager: Phyllis Shanks, Resort Quest by Wyndham
Best Culinary Manager: Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises
Best Front of House Associate; restaurant: Angelia Anderson, Floyd’s Shrimp House
Best Front of House Associate; hotel/resort: Tamee Huggins, Henderson Park Inn
Best Back of House Associate; restaurant: Jose Arias Jr., Brotula’s
Best Back of House Associate; hotel/resort: Eddie Gray, Newman – Dailey
Supplier of the Year: Heartland Payment Systems
Best Sales and Marketing Associate: Misty Rae, Saltwater Restaurant Group
Spirit of Hospitality: The St. Joe Company
Best Arts and Culture Experience: Culture Arts Alliance of Walton County
Best Event: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival