NEW: Alabama chef of the year + more awarded by ARHA

The food and leisure industry in Alabama gets more and more vibrant each year, and the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA) is on a mission to put even more flavor in it. On October 30 in Birmingham, they awarded several outstanding members of the industry—from Chef of the Year to Tourism Promoter of the Year and more.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Stars of the Industry winners (and where to plan your next road trip for top-notch eats and stays).

About the Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year + more

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Chef ‘Panini’ Pete Blohme

One of the biggest and most exciting accolades given each fall is the Chef of the Year award. This year, Chef ‘Panini’ Pete Blohme, famous on the Gulf Coast and beyond, took home the title.

While his most recent claim to fame was another appearance on Food Network (yes, he’s made several appearances), Chef Panini Pete has a long history of success in the kitchen.

Born in Chicago and raised in Florida, Blohme ventured to New York where he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. In 2006, he opened the now-famous Panini Pete’s Cafe and Bakeshoppe in Fairhope’s French Quarter.

Justin Owens | 23 Court Cigar Bar

Not only is Justin Owens an incredible bartender beloved in Montgomery, but he’s also the general manager behind 23 Court Cigar Bar.

A part of downtown’s revitalization, 23 Court is a sophisticated spot where locals and visitors alike can relax with a cigar and a drink. Montgomery native Justin Owens has become a renowned bartender in Alabama’s capital, and this year brought home the Bartender of the Year award.

Matt + Stephanie Mell | ChurchStreet Family Hospitality + Restaurant Group

ChurchStreet Family Hospitality + Restaurants Group is one of Huntsville’s most beloved organizations, bringing lots of creative flavor to Huntsville’s food scene. With eateries like Mazzara’s in Downtown Huntsville and Pourhouse at Stovehouse (and many more), ChurchStreet has made a name for itself in the Rocket City.

Behind this group is Matt and Stephanie Mell, who just won the Restaurateur of the Year award. This husband and wife team with deep roots in North Alabama started ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe in 2014, and has since expanded their group to include everything from an Italian restaurant in a historic home to a piano bar on one of downtown’s most popular streets.

Alabama Restaurant + Hospitality Association 2023 winners

Continuing on, ARHA awarded several other restaurant and hospitality workers who have contributed greatly to the industry.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Ryals | Huntsville/Madison County Convention + Visitors Bureau
• Hotelier of the Year: Josh Head | The Laurel Hotel & Spa
• Small Hotelier of the Year: Sanjay Patel | Baron Hospitality
• Tourism Promoter of the Year: Melea Hames | Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
• Best New Culinarian of the Year: Agustin Echazarreta | The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
• Supplier of the Year: Croix
• Humanitarian of the Year: David & Joe Maluff | Full Moon BBQ
• Front of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Rose Stankova | Perdido Beach Resort | Outstanding Star
• Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year: Thomas McKelvy | The Depot | Outstanding Star 
• Heart of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Eddie Dubose | Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook | Outstanding Star 
• Back of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year: Judson Gonzales | Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa | Outstanding Star
• Hospitality Department Manager of the Year: Jessie Radcliff | Perdido Beach Resort | Outstanding Star
• Restaurant Manager of the Year: Brandon Zeller | ChurchStreet Family | Outstanding Star
• Spirit Award: Velpo Buckhanon | Ithaka Hospitality Partners | Outstanding Star

Congratulations to all these deserving award winners!

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