Bar & Restaurant Expo is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Industry Excellence Awards. Finalists in each category are celebrated for their dedication to the independent bar and restaurant industry. These individuals and businesses exemplify integrity, commitment to equality, sustainability, community and culture across the industry.
A panel of Johnson & Wales University experts selected the finalists, evaluating each submission based on several criteria.
Judges include:
Panel Chair: Brian Warrener, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation
Jennifer Broderick, Professor
Sarah Malik, Associate Professor
Deana Marzocchi, Associate Professor
Michael O’Malley, CPS Director of Academic Programs
Winners will be announced at the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo on Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m.
2025 Industry Excellence Awards Finalists:
Bar of the Year
Alpine Cocktail Bar, Hagerstown, Maryland
Tell Your Friends, Scottsdale, Arizona
The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, Dallas, Texas
Bartender of the Year
Ava Vitale, Crave, Rockford, Illinois
Cesar Valdivia, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, Florida
Livio Lauro, EuroBar, Master Your Glass, Las Vegas, Nevada
Best Cocktail Program
Tell Your Friends, Scottsdale, Arizona
The Manor Bar, Montecito, California
Panamericano Bar, Miami, Florida
Best Hospitality Training Program
Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection, Grapevine, Texas
Livio Lauro, EuroBar, Master Your Glass, Las Vegas, Nevada
Chef of the Year
Christopher Galarza, Forward Dining Solutions LLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Guy Vaknin, City Roots Hospitality, New York, New York
Nicole Brisson, Brezza & Bar Zazu, Las Vegas, Nevada
Community Leadership Award
Nicole Brisson, Brezza & Bar Zazu, Las Vegas, Nevada
Toups Family Meal, New Orleans, Louisiana
Troy Guard, TAG Restaurant Group, Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas
Design of the Year
Le Basque, New York, New York
Pinky’s by Vanderpump, Las Vegas, Nevada
Wolf by Vanderpump, Las Vegas, Nevada
Restaurant of the Year
Anixi, New York, New York
Rosario’s ComidaMex and Bar, San Antonio, Texas
Your 3rd Spot, Atlanta, Georgia
“This year, we saw a 23% increase in the number of entries, proving the value these awards provide for the industry,” said Tim McLucas, Market Leader, Hospitality Group at Questex. “We look forward to naming the winners at this year’s expo.”
Each finalist will be awarded two Expo Plus Passes to the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo, as well as recognition on the Bar & Restaurant Expo website, social media, and newsletter before and during the expo. In addition, the winners in each category will receive a beautiful custom award, one Conference Pass to the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, and additional media recognition on the website, social media, newsletters and more.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in Our Events:
- 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 24-26, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada. Register Now!
- 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo Denver, October 26-28, 2025, Denver, Colorado
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
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