ARHA Now, Volume 11, Issue #1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT: EF COST RECOVERY

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS RECAP

GRAND PINEAPPLE GOLF CHALLENGE RECAP

BARTENDER OF THE YEAR RECAP

2022 PROSTART STUDENT

KIRK KIRKLAND

2022

ARHA

from the PRESIDENT

People. The essence of our industry is people. We serve people and we employ people. It is the most important ingredient in the recipe for a successful business. This issue of ARHANOW celebrates the people of our industry highlighting the Stars of the Industry winners.

MINDY HANAN President & CEO, ARHA

ARHA is pleased to announce that Governor Ivey recognized the importance of our industry and our need for additional workforce development. The Governor has allocated $ million for training for our industry that will be delivered through the Alabama Community College System. In addition, we are working to bring more attention to our industry as “the industry of opportunity” and we will be launching a digital media campaign to attract more people to our industry.

In March, we will hold our annual ProStart Student Invitational at the Perdido Beach Resort. ProStart is a 2-year curriculum that is used in over 30 Alabama schools. The Invitational will feature both a culinary and “shark tank” style management competition. I encourage you all to get involved with the ProStart program. If you cannot attend the invitational, you can also get involved with your local school as a mentor. They would love to have your involvement as we bring more students into the world of hospitality.

On the legislative front, we are working to reform some of the state’s unemployment policies. Currently, those receiving unemployment compensation are only required to search for work one time per week. In a state with over 90,000 open jobs and a reported 60,000 unemployed individuals there is definitely a mismatch of priorities. Our goal is to increase the work search requirement to 5 times per week and to have stronger verification systems in order to ensure the validity of the work searches.

Last year, ARHA established an association healthcare plan that is a great option for many of our members. The healthcare plan is a Blue Cross Blue Shield fully insured plan that is open to ARHA member employers in the restaurant, hospitality or tourism industry. This money-saving option is a great way to enhance the benefits that you offer to your employees. Open enrollment will begin in March.

We are continuing to work for further economic relief for the industry at both the state and federal level. While there currently is no industry specific relief at the state level, the Legislature is making a $79 million deposit in the unemployment compensation trust fund which will lower all businesses’ unemployment taxes by approximately 29%. ARHA will keep fighting at both the state and federal level for more financial assistance for our industry.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic still upon us, one thing we know for certain is that we are in this together. We see you out there adjusting to new challenges and fighting to keep your businesses open. ARHA will continue to ensure that your voice is heard in Montgomery and Washington, while supporting your business in any way we can. Let’s continue working together and ensuring a strong future for Alabama’s hospitality industry.

EFCost Recovery

Turning Knowledge Into Profit

What is the ERC?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides $2 trillion in measures to offset the impact of COVID-19, with direct support to individuals and businesses. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a part of the CARES Act. It is a fully refundable tax credit that incentivizes employers to retain their staff during the Coronavirus pandemic by providing specific tax relief.

Am I Eligible?

Off

CARES Act

2020 RULES

Employers are eligible if their business operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order or 50% reduction in quarterly receipts compared to the same quarter in 2019

For employers with less than 100 full-time employees, the tax credit is for wages paid to all employees.

For employers with more than 100 full-time employees, the tax credit is for wages paid to employees who are being paid and not working.

Wi th a limit on wages per employee of $10,0 0 0 w i th a maximum credit of $5,000 per employee for the entire yea r.

D u e to recent changes put in place by congress, the tax cr edit is equal to 70% of wages and compensation up to $10,000, with a maximu m c redit of $7,000 per employee, per quarter for 2021.

2021 RULES

Employers are eligible if their business operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order

or 20% reduction in quarterly receipts compared to the same quarter in 2019

For employers with less than 500 full-time employees, the tax credit is for wages paid to all employees.

For employers with more than 500 full-time employees, the tax credit is for wages paid to employees who are being paid and not working.

There is no limit on the number of employees or the size of your company that prevents you from taking your credit. Let Us Help.

See

EF Cost Recovery has qualified and quantified credits for firms ranging from small startup firms to large corporations. Contact us at 508-989-2793 or amathes@efcostrecovery.com

EFCost Recovery

Turning Knowledge Into Profit

WELCOME. New Members

RESTAURANT

Flight Plan Wine & Tapas

Huntsville

Johnson Partners Inc dba McDonald’s Huntsville

One Bike LLC Opelika

Rhythm on Monroe Huntsville

Poindexters Mobile

SOL Restaurante Mexicano & Taqueria Pike Road

The Rail Public House Gadsden

Troy Country Club Troy Zazu Gastropub Opelika

LODGING

Drury Inn & Suites Montgomery

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa East

Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown

Troy Country Club

The Rail Public House, Gadsden

Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown

The winners of the 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards were announced Monday, November 8 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. The Stars of the Industry is the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) annual awards dinner honoring the restaurant, lodging, and tourism industry.

The Stars awards are peer-nominated and winners were selected by the Stars committee and ARHA’s board of directors. There were over 110 nominations submitted statewide and the winners in each of the eighteen categories were presented with trophies by the ARHA Chairman, Bob Omainsky.

The event began with an elegant reception while the regional bartender finalists competed in the state Bartender of the Year competition. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner prepared by Executive Chef Michael Rolling served with wine compliments of United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama.

Emerald Empire provided live musical entertainment, and Eunice Elliott, author, public speaker, life coach, and standup comedian, served as the emcee for the evening.

“The Stars awards dinner is our chance to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence and serve as an inspiration to others in the restaurant and hotel industry and our community. On behalf of ARHA, I am proud of the members we have and the outstanding accomplishments they make day in and day out,” says Mindy B. Hanan, President and CEO of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

Thank you to the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook for hosting the event. The food, the property, and the service were world-class! A special thank you to our sponsors for your generous support!

THANK

Alabama Gulf Seafood

AL Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

Greater Birmingham CVB

Broadcast Music Inc (BMI) Encore

Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook Huntsville/Madison County CVB

PP Hospitality Group

Republic National Distributing Co. of AL Sculpture Hospitality Stock Yards

Summit Investments Group of Gadsden LLC

The Hotel at Auburn University US Foods

Westin Hotel Huntsville

Lifetime Achievement Award

HERB MALONE

GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

In 1993, the economy of the Gulf Coast began to change. The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau or Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism as it is known today, was established to fulfill the need of destination marketing in this area of the state. Leading the way was President/CEO Herb Malone, a champion for the Gulf Coast who believed in sharing our natural wonders with others.

His fascination and love for the area grew from a young age. Herb was born and raised in Citronelle and his father worked at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile. During his childhood, his parents purchased a lot on the Fort Morgan peninsula and built a small house on the bay where he spent every summer.

After graduating from high school, Herb Malone went on to study business administration and play football at Livingston State College (now the University of West Alabama). During his time at Livingston, the football team won the NAIA National Championship and he met and married his wife Bessie. Following college, Herb had a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons.

After moving his family to Gulf Shores in 1978, he became very engaged with the community, joining city clubs, volunteering as a firefighter and running for Gulf Shores City Council where he served two and a half terms. He was also recruited and elected the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber board of directors chairperson. From 1988 to 1993, Herb was the CEO of the Alabama Coastal Business Chamber.

When casino gambling came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1990, the formation of the CVB was hopefully the answer to not left Alabama’s Gulf Coast get left behind. And the rest is history.

Herb’s ability to handle any crisis that affects the area is remarkable. Throughout the years, he has been responsible for countless initiatives, including birding trails, the byway system, Leave Only Footprints, and cleanup and recovery efforts after the oil spill and many hurricanes. Herb’s greatest personal achievement is helping the community bounce back from the tropical occurrences, oil spill and now the pandemic.

Herb Malone’s devotion to the community is unreal and he is one of a kind and a leader that we all should aspire to be like. He grew and changed and developed as his role required him to, and not everybody has that ability.

Malone is retiring later this year and plans to enjoy his time and stay busy. He has two grandchildren in the Birmingham area, and he looks forward to dance recitals and tee-ball games. He also plans to work on honing his skills when it comes to his hobbies which are fishing, golf, and outdoor photography. We wish him the best of luck and we should ALL thank him for helping make Alabama’s Gulf Coast area what it is today!

Legislator of the Year Award

SENATOR DAN ROBERTS

R-AL, ALABAMA DISTRICT 15

The 2021 ARHA Legislator of the Year is Senator Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, in State Senate District 15, which presently covers parts of Jefferson, Shelby and Talladega counties. In the Senate, Roberts has focused on economic development, improving education and workforce development.

Roberts is a distinguished businessman with experience in international trade and real estate. He was elected to the Alabama Senate in November 2018. Since taking office in 2018, Roberts has been heavily involved in addressing the state’s tax policies. During the 2021 regular legislative session, he was the Senate sponsor for legislation that allowed pandemic related payments received by companies to be excluded from state income taxation, and legislation allowing pass through entities to participate in the Growing Alabama tax credit.

Restaurateur of the Year Award

JUD BLOUNT

VINTAGE HOSPITALITY - MONTGOMERY

Jud Blount has 25 years of restaurant and hospitality experience. His vast knowledge has allowed him to master all aspects of the industry and cultivate future innovative concepts. Born and raised in Montgomery, Jud attended the University of Alabama studying Business Administration and Management. Prior to taking over Vintage Year in Montgomery, he was the President, CEO & Co-Owner of Filet & Vine for 19 years where he grew it to be Central Alabama’s largest specialty market, deli and bottle shop. In 2018, he opened Vintage Cafe, a coffee shop and daytime eatery. In 2021, Blount will complete the extensive City Fed restoration project that will include Ravello, a new Italian eatery, along with several private event spaces. Additionally, he has purchased the Grove Park Apartments in Montgomery and has started a renovation.

Jud and his wife Martha have two children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and live music. A member and on the Board of Trustees of Fitzpatrick United Methodist Church, he is also very active in his community.

ARHA Lobbyist Jeff Miller (Miller Development Group) presents Senator Dan Roberts with the 2021 Legislator of the Year Award.

Hotelier of the Year

ANDREW DOROUGH CRESCENT HOTELS & RESORTS (THE WESTIN HUNTSVILLE)

Andrew is the Regional Manager of Operations for Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Before his recent promotion this summer, he served four years as the General Complex Manager for The Westin Huntsville. In 2020, Andrew was named the “General Manager of the Year” for all Crescent Hotels & Resorts. While under his leadership, The Westin Huntsville was named the #1 hotel in Alabama for 2020, according to the U.S. News & World Report hotel rankings. U.S. News analyzed more than 30,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings. The Westin Huntsville, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, also received the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for 2019 and was named to the Top 20 Hotels in The South. Andrew serves on the ARHA Board of Directors and his contributions to the Association are immeasurable. The Westin Huntsville has graciously hosted numerous meetings for ARHA through the years, including the Huntsville regional bartender competitions. The hotel also hosted the annual ProStart student culinary and management competitions in 2019 and 2021. Andrew’s leadership skills are top notch. He has definitely earned his place as a leader in the hospitality industry in Huntsville and beyond.

Chef of the Year

CHEF SCOTT SIMPSON THE DEPOT - AUBURN

Chef Scott Simpson is the Executive Chef at The Depot, an upscale sustainable seafood-centric restaurant, in the Auburn Train Depot. He has traveled around the world cooking dishes that feature seafood in locations such as Mexico, Bali, and Jamaica. Chef Simpson is now plating up these specialties in the city Auburn and gaining critical acclaim for The Depot restaurant.

He won First Place in the 6th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-off this year and went on to represent the entire state of Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-off. Chef Scott has an unrivaled commitment to sustainable seafood and Alabama seafood/oyster farmers. He was also named as the first James Beard Smart Catch leader and first restaurant to fully certify their commitment to sustainable seafood with the James Beard Foundation. Under his guidance, The Depot received the prestigious Wine Spectator award for a 6th year in a row and received a reader’s choice award with Opelika-Auburn News.

ALLEN HONEYCUTT

SQUID INK ECLECTIC EATS AND DRINKS - MOBILE

Allen came into the industry by way of Easter Seals. He started working as a silverware roller and tray liner at a restaurant in Mobile called SQUID INK. He has the determination to overcome all his limitations and prefers to do things on his own to further develop his abilities. He was born with a very rare disease, Usher Syndrome which has caused Allen to lose his eyesight, hearing and balance. This was first diagnosed in his adolescent years. He has shown how he has overcome his personal challenges and hardships by living and taking care of himself and taking the bus every single day regardless of the weather or how he feels. Allen shows up to work early and with a huge smile and is a hard worker. Allen took the time to figure out how to line up the napkin and fold its corners to allow speed and accuracy. He secured paperclips to the table marking the placement as to never miss how to fold it. Recently, due to Covid, the restaurant decided to “temporarily “suspend his position to keep him safe. He checks in weekly to see if there is anything he can do at home such as folding t-shirts or paper to-go menus. Allen is truly a delight to his coworkers and the entire community!

Small Hotelier of the Year

TOBY WILSON WILSON HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT - TUSCALOOSA

Toby Wilson is the President and owner of Wilson Hospitality Management, Inc. Wilson Hospitality manages three hotels in: Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa-East, Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa -University and Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Toby began his career in the hospitality industry in 1994 as a bellman at Hotel Capstone located on the campus of the University of Alabama. He quickly moved up the ranks and is a prime example of how one can succeed in our industry. Toby is an outstanding leader who has a solid work ethic, is a fair-minded employer and displays class in how he manages people which earned him the respect from those in the business community. He is generous, loyal and his citizenship is always at the forefront. Toby has volunteered his time including serving on the boards of ARHA Tuscaloosa Chapter, Tuscaloosa Sports Foundation, Tuscaloosa Sports & Tourism, and many other organizations. He is a past-chairman of ARHA as well. Toby is dedicated to the industry, his community and his business.

Best New Culinarian of the Year

CHEF CHRIS MOORE THE YARD AT ELYTON HOTEL - BIRMINGHAM

Chef Chris moved from the Biltmore Estate to reopen The Yard at the Elyton post-Covid and to make her mark on the food scene in Birmingham. Quick to take the reigns of a hotel restaurant that was struggling pre-covid, she quickly identified a team of non-traditional culinarians. She trained up a team of dishwashers, Publix grocery baggers and banquet servers to reopen a 4-star dining experience focused on local providers. Drawing on her midwest upbringing and Carolina influence, Chris created a “dining destination” in downtown Birmingham by participating in every “Eat in the Street” promotion and Restaurant Week to get the F&B industry moving again. Chef Chris takes an active role in promoting the industry and teaching the next generation of culinarians.

Humanitarium Award

MATT HOOD HOTEL CAPSTONE TUSCALOOSA

Matt Hood is the rooms division coordinator and revenue director for Hotel Capstone Tuscaloosa on the University of Alabama campus.

A graduate of Lawrence County High School in 2004, Hood came to Tuscaloosa in 2009 to attend the University of Alabama, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Matt stays very busy in his free time serving others. He volunteers and is involved with numerous organizations such as Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, United Way of West Alabama, Read Bama Read, but is most passionate about organizations that serve residents with special needs, such as Best Buddies, the Miracle League of Tuscaloosa and Arts ’n Autism.

THANK YOU, Restaurant & Hospitality Workers!

On behalf of Visit Tuscaloosa, we are so grateful for you, our restaurant and hospitality partners. You work tirelessly to provide for the communities that we call home and create experiences that are second to none.

CLAYTON TAYLOR

ALABAMA INSURANCE EXCHANGE - BIRMINGHAM

Clayton Taylor is no stranger to the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association. He has served multiple terms on the ARHA Board of Directors and Clayton was one of the original implementers of Alabama Restaurant Association’s Workers Compensation program and supplied the core group of restaurant clients for ARA’s state fund approval in 1995. Since that time, he has been a true advocate of the association sponsored Workers Compensation program with AlaCOMP. Most recently, Clayton has been one of the driving forces in leveling the playing field between Alabama’s Restaurant and Bar owners and the Alabama’s stringent dram shop statutes. He volunteers and supports ARHA’s annual Grand Pineapple Golf Challenge tournament and is a huge part of its success. Clayton is a regular contributor to ARHA’s magazine, ARHA NOW, providing insightful articles about insurance and risk management for our members. Also, he supports the magazine by ongoing advertising. Personally, Clayton still finds time to assist local physicians who seek his assistance in speaking with patients and survivors of head & neck cancers.

Tourism Promoter of the Year

KEELY LAW

Keely Law is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet. Alabama has always been home to Keely and specifically Florence and the Shoals Area. Growing up Keely’s family introduced her to the great heritage of Alabama and she is honored to share our great state with others. Many hotel sales people simply sell their hotel and its perks and amenities. As a sales manager at Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, Keely sells the destination and describes to people just what they will see and shares her own experiences at attractions across the entire state. Having formed great alliances with travel and tour planners over the years of attending travel shows and conferences, her enthusiasm and genuineness about Alabama and the Shoals Area have brought hundreds of tours into the state that very likely would never have taken a second glance at Alabama.

Keely Law is the epitome of a tourism promoter from her gold record business cards to her infectious personality. Keely has worked to put a keen focus on the state of Alabama with both domestic and international travelers.

MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL & SPA - FLORENCE

Restaurant Manager of the Year

HEATHER TUTEN

THE DEPOT - AUBURN

Heather has been with The Depot since it opened six years ago. Moving up from server to manager, she has walked the delicate line of managing her former peers and creating a fun working environment that knows when to get down to business. Heather has a talent for anticipating her staff’s needs and jumping in when needed, offering guidance when necessary and providing motivation on a regular basis. Heather has also created strong bonds with many in the community which help to sustain the restaurant through the pandemic when times were really difficult.

Hospitality Manager of the Year

TAYLOR LILES

HOTEL INDIGO TUSCALOOSA DOWNTOWN

Taylor has been a dynamic leader at Hotel Indigo since she began in July 2020. She had previous experience in the industry and even trained at Disney! This landed her the job of Sales & Catering Coordinator, a position that she was certainly overqualified for – but was eager to get back to work following the pandemic shutdown. Taylor exceeds expectations on a daily basis and was soon promoted to Sales & Catering Manager. This has been the hotel’s most successful year for events since the hotel opened in 2016, and due largely in part to Taylor’s focus and dedication on the job.

Front of the House Restaurant Employee

KELLEY LAND

ARICCIA CUCINA ITALIANA - AUBURN

Kelly joined Ariccia as a server in 2018, helping the restaurant navigate one of their busiest years to date. She was promoted to trainer the following year and helped improve benchmark goals. Most notably, she is a wife and mother of two children and accomplished all of this while being a full-time student in the Auburn University Hospitality Management Program. Upon graduation, Kelly was named to full-time supervisor of Ariccia earlier this year. She has continued to excel in her role and and helped to grow the restaurant. Kelly now also assists with teaching practicum in the same hospitality program she graduated from a few months ago.

Front of the House Hospitality Employee

ALEX BURTON

Alex is a front desk agent at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. She embodies what it means to provide excellent hospitality to not only the hotel’s guests, but her fellow peers. Alex has been instrumental in lifting the hotel’s “Elite Appreciation” scores and has gained a multitude of mentions and positive remarks from guest satisfaction surveys. She always volunteers to work late or assist when the hotel is short-staffed. Alex provides the upmost attention to detail and is always striving to learn new things to advance her career in the hotel industry.

Back of the House Hospitality Employee

SUZANNE BOLTON

MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL & SPA - FLORENCE

Suzanne is an outstanding associate and goes above and beyond what her title of administrative assistant suggests. She took on the huge task of streamlining the hotel’s culinary ordering and inventory processes which has dramatically cut food costs and reduced the amount of time it takes to prepare food. Also, Suzanne is willing to jump in anywhere across the property to make sure that the hotel is delivering great guest experiences and that the associates feel supported. You will never hear Suzanne say something is, “not her job” and she is a true asset to Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa.

Back of the House Restaurant Employee

MIRANDA GREEN

MANCI’S ANTIQUE CLUB- DAPHNE

Miranda is the Kitchen Manager for Manci’s Antique Club located in Daphne. She is a fantastic cook, especially when it comes to grilling. Despite losing family members to Covid and staying super busy helping take care of her seven grandchildren, Miranda always has a special way of lighting up the room. She has worked the brunch shift on Sundays since coming to work at Manci’s five years ago. She may not make it to Sunday church services, but she brings her gospel music to the kitchen and makes sure her coworkers know it is time for Jesus.

RENAISSANCE BIRMINGHAM ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT & SPA

THANK

A

YOU TO THE

FOOD

BEVERAGE

Bartender Nick Ware of the Lower Lounge in Montgomery has been crowned Alabama’s 2021 Bartender of the Year. The annual competition is held in conjunction with the Stars of the Industry Awards presented by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association and Old Forester.

Regional competitions were held across the state during the month of October. The top finalists from Auburn, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile were invited to compete at the state final.

On November 8, the regional winners competed for the title, coveted trophy and a $1,500 grand prize at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.

Competitors were judged on taste, accuracy, showmanship, crowd interaction, and speed. “The cocktail I created for this competition, I feel, represents the flavor palate and the rich history of Montgomery, Alabama. I started with a classic Manhattan cocktail as a base and focused on highlighting the nuances and subtleties of the 1910 Old Fine Whiskey expression from Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series. My reason for choosing this specific whiskey was the importance of the year 1910 in Montgomery’s history. 1910 was the year that the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, opened the nation’s first commercial flight school on the land that is now home to Maxwell Air Force Base,” said Nick Ware.

The annual competition is sponsored by Old Forester, United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, and Sculpture Hospitality.

Nick Ware - Lower Lounge Alabama’s 2021 Bartender of the Year

2021 STATE BARTENDER COMPETITION

1st Place: Nick Ware Lower Lounge Montgomery

2nd Place: Amy Eady Fly Bar Fairhope

3rd Place: Kati Wilson Lee Church Street Purveyor Huntsville

4th Place: Carla Irene Helen Birmingham

Bartender

CO MPETITIO

Huntsville Regional Competition

Host: Westin Hotel Huntsville

1st Place: Kati Wilson Lee - Church Street Purveyor

2nd Place: Joshua Nunn - The Poppy & Parliament

3rd Place: Brent Kennamer - All Shook Up Bar & Beverage Catering

2021 REGIONAL

Competitions

Birmingham Regional Competition

Host: The Lumbar

1st Place: Carla Irene - Helen

2nd Place: Quinton Chandler - Evelyns Southern Fare

3rd Place: Sarah Watson - Session

Auburn Regional Competition

Host: The Hotel at Auburn University

1st Place: Nick Ware - Lower Lounge

2nd Place: Kayla Treat - Vintage Year

3rd Place: Jentry Chestnut - Avondale Bar & Taproom

Mobile Regional Competition

Host: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa

1st Place: Amy Eady - Fly Bar

2nd Place: Jessie McKinney - Sunset Pointe

3rd Place: Katie Ryan Dorgan - Squid Ink Eats

ALABAMA PROSTART®

STUDENT INVITATIONAL

The ARHA Foundation is excited to announce the 2022 ProStart® Invitational. Students representing their high school’s ProStart® program will participate in culinary and management competitions. This one day competition allows ProStart® students to showcase the skills that they have learned in the classroom. This annual event is made possible through the support of our industry. See how you can help below and remember that all sponsorship donations are tax-deductible.

How You Can Help: BE A JUDGE OR VOLUNTEER

Over 50 people are needed to staff a ProStart competition! If you would like to volunteer on the day of the competition, we would love your help. We also need judges with backgrounds in culinary, restaurant management, and marketing.

WHAT IS THE PROSTART PROGRAM?

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart®’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

By bringing the industry and the classroom together, ProStart® gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. The curriculum teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry. ProStart® is supported and operated by the ARHA Foundation in partnership with the NRA Educational Foundation. With almost 30 high schools currently participating, the ProStart® program is growing fast and is on its way to becoming a talent pipeline for careers in Alabama’s foodservice industry.

KIRK KIRKLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2021 Recipients

Evgeniya Koshelyaevskaya Jefferson State Community College

Raehgan McIntyre Auburn University

Anna Oelmann University of North Alabama

Kelly Whitlock University of Alabama

Ashley Hammac Coastal Alabama Community College

Lauren Hart University of Alabama

Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chairman Penny Groux Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach

Chairman-Elect Chris Townsley RAM Hotels

Treasurer Adam Keeshan Ariccia Cucina Italiana, Auburn

Secretary Kent Blackinton Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel

Immediate Past Chairman Bob Omainsky Fried Stewed & Nude, Mobile

President/CEO Mindy B. Hanan

Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association

OTHER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Bill Lloyd - Druid City Social, Tuscaloosa

Wayne Reaves - Manna Enterprises

Brandt Tucker - Proud Willie’s Wings & Stuff, Auburn

BOARD MEMBERS

RESTAURANT

Gabrielle Barnett - LuLu’s Gulf Shores

Jamie Black - Black Family Restaurants

Pete Blohme - PP Hospitality Group

Jud Blount - Vintage Hospitality Group

David Conklin - Firehouse Subs

Scott Dirting - Windcreek Resorts

Stephen Goode - The Southern Kitchen & Bar

Brian Harsany - Cosmo’s and Cobalt

Cynthia Shea Hart - Catered For Your Nutrition by Shea’s Clark Lopez - Rojo

Bob Parker - Dreamland BBQ

Robin Thagard - Bella’s Fine Dining

LODGING

Larry Bowser - Shoals Marriott

Sharon Delmar - Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Andrew Dorough - Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Margo Gilbert - Battle House Renaissance Mobile

Craig Hillyard - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

Alan Patel - Comfort Inn Homewood

Nanda Patel - Holiday Inn Gadsden

Sanjay Patel - Baron Hoover LLC - Hyatt Place

Rick Smith - Renaissance Ross Bridge

Hans van der Reijden - Ithaka Hospitality

Jorg Wesche - Grand Bohemian Hotel

Toby Wilson - Wilson Hospitality Management Co.

TOURISM

David Clark - Visit Mobile

Sara Hamlin - Greater Birmingham CVB

Don Staley - Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

Pam Williams - Huntsville/Madison County CVB

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Cristina Alamanza - Buffalo Rock Company

Bob Baumhower - Aloha Hospitality

Brent Boatwright - The Westin Huntsville

Robyn Bridges - Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Bob Crawford - United-Johnson Brothers of AL

Patti Culp - Alabama Travel Council

Kim Digilarmo - Bloomin’ Brands

Eric Duggan - US Foods

Beth Gendler - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Mark Grenier - Topgolf

Ralph Ham - Sysco

Nick Hartmann - Alabama Power Company

Matt Hood - Hotel Capstone

Paul Hufstedler - US Foods

Mike Jester - Heartland

Alex Lamote - Sculpture Hospitality

George Lane - Wood Fruitticher Food Service

Dr. David Martin, PhD - Auburn University

Aaron McCreight - Dothan CVB

Jeremy McDonald - Petra RMS

Steve Miller - The Westin / Sheraton Birmingham

Joseph Mitchell - Jeff State Community College

Alvin Niuh - University of Alabama

Geoff Plott - Prichett Moore Inc.

Tami Reist - AL Mountain Lakes Tourist Assoc.

James Robinson - Spire Energy

Bob Schoeneck - BRESCO

Judy Shimoda-Stiff - TSC Associates

Stephen Snead - Sysc

Clayton Taylor - Alabama Insurance Exchange

Kasha Walters - The Hound

Wayne Wood - United-Johnson Brothers of AL

ARHA

Happ e nings

In July, ARHA, the Birmingham City Council, Alabama Career System Center, and Jefferson Country District Attorney Danny Carr partnered to host a career fair targeted specifically for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Over 100 people participated in the career fair at Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham. Attendees were able to meet and apply for various positions with local restaurants and hotels.

ARHA’s Tuscaloosa Chapter partnered with The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports to host an informative meeting regarding workforce development.

The ARHA Foundation hosted a Fall Educators Workshop at Wind Creek Hotel in Atmore. Thirty ProStart instructors attended a management and hospitality workshop on Sunday evening followed by a networking dinner. The next morning, the educators took part in a hands-on mock ProStart competition in the hotel’s Kitchen Culinary Studio.

In August, ARHA, along with the Huntsville/Madison County CVB and Von Braun Center hosted a hospitality and restaurant career fair.

The 2021 AAHOA Regional Conference & Trade Show was held in September in Birmingham. ARHA participated in the trade show and President & CEO Mindy Hanan was a guest speaker.

ARHA President & CEO Mindy Hanan and U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt were guest speakers at the 2021 AAHOA Women Hoteliers Town Hall Meeting in October.

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