2023 Inductees:

Lifetime Achievement:

James Iranzad

Gooseneck Hospitality

Vancouver restaurateur James Iranzad co-founded Gooseneck Hospitality – a group of award-winning dining concepts.

Kelly Gordon

Romers / Steamship

Started at Keg #1 in 1974 as a dishwasher working his way though business school.

Claudio Ranallo

La piazza Dario’s restaurant

Born in Ateleta, l’Aquila, Abruzzo Italy, La Piazza Dario’s Head Chef, Claudio Ranallo, has been cooking since he was a small boy in Italy.

Ron Slinger

The Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub

For veteran publican Ron Slinger, what comes to the table has always been as important as what is poured in a pint glass or served on a plate.

David Wong

Six Mile Pub

Owner of the Oldest Pub in British Columbia, the Six Mile Pub + Eatery, David considers himself an accidental restauranteur.

Robert Cassels

Saveur Restaurant - Victoria

Chef Robert Cassels was born and raised on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. At age 12, Cassels began working in his godparents’ restaurant, “Antoine’s”, in Victoria…

Ross Derrick

Broken Anchor Hospitality – Kelowna/Big White

Born and Raised in the heart of Canada, Ross Derrick was exposed to an array of cuisines that stirred his passion for the art of cooking.

Gino Di Domenico

Tacofino - Tofino / Vancouver

Gino Di Domenico, a seasoned restaurateur, with a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in the hospitality industry…

Jesse McCleery

Pilgrimme - Gulf Islands

Originally from Winnipeg, Jesse McCleery began his culinary career at the age of 15 working in his home city’s best restaurants.

Chef RD Stewart & Karen Roland

Red Door Bistro – Whistler

Karen Roland moved to Whistler in October of 1988 at 20 years of age. She only intended to stay for a ski season, however 35 years later she owns a pub, bistro, and liquor store in Whistler.

Michael Doyle

Aquilini Group

As President, Toptable Group, Michael Doyle oversees all hospitality properties within the Aquilini Group including the Food & Beverage at Rogers Arena and the Abbotsford Centre.

Lily Verney-Downey & Warren Barr

Pluvio Restaurant

Warren was born and raised in BC and was very fortunate to start his career in Vancouver at Le Crocodile Restaurant under Michel Jacob.

Audrey Surrao

RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd.

Audrey Surrao, Co-owner of RauDZ Creative Concepts Restaurant Group, a dynamic force in the world of culinary excellence and hospitality.

Neil Aisenstat

Hy's of Canada

Neil Aisenstat was destined for the restaurant industry. In 2011, after forging a partnership with his younger brother John, and Vancouver businessman Rob Macdonald…

Bert Hick

Rising Tide Consultants

As the President and Founder, Bert started Rising Tide Consultants in 1988 because of a need to provide liquor consulting services to the industry.

Jennifer Rossi

Kitchen Table Group

Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Jennifer received an early education in the hospitality industry by working her way up in her grandfather’s restaurant and food-services company with roles such as…

Cathy Tostenson

White Spot Hospitality

Cathy Tostenson is the Vice President of Marketing for iconic BC brands White Spot and Triple O’s, serving 17 million guests annually at 130 restaurants located throughout BC, Alberta and Ontario.

Donna Wadsworth

Savoury City Catering

The master visionary behind Savoury City Catering and a recent inductee into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame, Donna Wadsworth’s experience in the food…

Kelsey Oudendag

The Okanagan Table

Kelsey Oudendag is a culinary arts instructor based in Kelowna, where she teaches at The Okanagan Table, which is owned & operated by RauDZ Creative Concepts.

Andy Crimp

Cardero's

With a rich history in Vancouver’s culinary landscape, Andy embarked on his journey as a salad boy at the Keg Granville Island. However, it was his time at Broadway Earl’s…

Ken Nakano

Inn at Laurel Point

Chef Nakano’s career has spanned over 25 years and he has led the culinary teams at globally recognized companies like Rosewood, Shangri-La and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

Celestino Posteraro

Cioppino's

Celestino, before he moved to Canada (Toronto) to start his career in the hospitality business, worked at Ristorante da Mariano in Santa Maria del Giudice, near Lucca in Tuscany.

Chris Brown

Arterra Wines Canada

Chris Brown has been working with National On-Premise Accounts for over 25 years. It might seem like a long time, but he has found a role that aligns perfectly with his lifestyle and strengths.

Yvonne (Koo) Leong

Koo Produce

Yvonne Koo Leong is a second-generation Vancouverite and the youngest of three siblings. For her first years, the family lived upstairs of their store, Jim M. Koo Produce Ltd.