Honoree Categories

The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards were launched to pay tribute to individuals, past or present, which have shaped the vibrant culinary industry in British Columbia. In 2024, individuals will be inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in nine selection categories:

• Rising Star – The Rising Star Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Sector is a prestigious recognition designed to celebrate and honour emerging talents who have demonstrated exceptional promise, dedication, and innovation in their early careers within the industry. This award seeks to identify and acknowledge individuals who are making a significant impact, displaying a passion for excellence, and showcasing the potential to become future leaders in the dynamic world of hospitality. The Rising Star Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Sector seeks to identify and celebrate individuals who are on a trajectory to become future leaders, recognizing their early achievements, passion for excellence, and potential to make a lasting impact on the industry. Nominees for this award embody the spirit of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm that defines a rising star in the dynamic world of hospitality.
• Hospitality Service Excellence in Administration and/or Operations –  The Hospitality Service Excellence in Administration and/or Operations Award seeks to honour individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the smooth functioning and success of the restaurant and hospitality sector. Nominees for this award should exhibit excellence in both administration or operations, embodying a commitment to efficiency, innovation, and the overall enhancement of the company and a commitment to supporting the smooth functioning of the establishment. Designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, efficiency, and excellence in their roles within the administrative and/or operational aspects of the restaurant and hospitality sector. This award celebrates nominees who play a crucial behind-the-scenes role, ensuring the seamless functioning of establishments and contributing significantly to their overall success. Roles including: human resources, payroll, marketing, communications, janitorial, restaurant design – all levels of administration and operations.
• Supplier – The Outstanding Supplier Partner Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is a prestigious honor designed to recognize and celebrate suppliers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, reliability, and innovation in providing goods and services to establishments within the industry. This award acknowledges nominees who go above and beyond in their role as partners, contributing significantly to the success and growth of the restaurants and hospitality businesses they serve. The Outstanding Supplier Partner Award seeks to honor suppliers who play a vital role in the success of the restaurant and hospitality industry. Nominees for this award should not only provide quality products and services but also actively contribute to the growth, innovation, and sustainability of the establishments they serve.
• Leading Employee / Manager (front of house + back of house) –  The Outstanding Employee/Manager Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is a prestigious accolade designed to recognize individuals who embody exceptional leadership, dedication, and outstanding performance in their roles as employees or managers within the industry. This award celebrates nominees who not only excel in their day-to-day responsibilities but also significantly contribute to creating a positive and dynamic work environment. The Outstanding Employee/Manager Award aims to honour individuals who stand out as exemplary leaders within the restaurant and hospitality industry. Nominees for this award demonstrate a commitment to excellence, fostering a positive workplace culture, and contributing to the overall success of the establishment.
• Friend of Industry –  The Friend of the Industry Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Sector is a prestigious accolade designed to honor individuals or organizations that have shown exceptional support, advocacy, and collaboration in fostering the growth and success of the restaurant and hospitality sector. This award recognizes nominees who, through their actions, have become invaluable friends and allies, contributing significantly to the well-being and advancement of the industry as a whole. The Friend of the Industry Award seeks to recognize individuals or organizations that have become true friends and allies to the restaurant and hospitality sector, contributing to its overall well-being, growth, and positive influence. Nominees for this award exemplify a commitment to the success and prosperity of the industry as a whole, extending their support in ways that leave a lasting and beneficial impact.
• Active Restauranteur – The Active Restauranteur Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is a distinguished honor designed to recognize individuals who embody a dynamic and hands-on approach to the management and operation of their restaurants. This award celebrates nominees whose proactive engagement, innovative leadership, and continuous commitment have contributed significantly to the success and vibrancy of their establishments. The Active Restauranteur Award seeks to honour individuals who go above and beyond in their role as restaurant owners, actively shaping and influencing the industry through their innovative practices, dedication to excellence, and positive impact on both their staff and the communities they serve.
• Local Champion – The Local Champion Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is a distinguished accolade crafted to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to their local community within the hospitality sector. This award celebrates nominees whose passion, dedication, and initiatives have significantly enhanced the local culinary scene, fostered community engagement, and positively impacted the lives of those in the vicinity. The Local Champion Award celebrates individuals who have become pillars of their local community through their outstanding contributions to the restaurant and hospitality industry. This award seeks to honor those whose efforts have not only elevated the local culinary landscape but have also positively influenced the social and economic fabric of the community they serve.
• Lifetime Achievement – The Lifetime Achievement Award in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry is a prestigious accolade designed to honor individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, innovation, and impact over the course of their career in shaping and advancing the hospitality landscape. This award recognizes an extraordinary nominee whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. The Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to celebrate an individual whose lifetime of work has not only left an indelible mark on the restaurant and hospitality industry but has also significantly contributed to its growth, evolution, and positive influence on a global scale.
• Industry Pioneer – An individual – retired or active – who has dedicated their lifetime to exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant and hospitality industries. These individuals will be recognized for making their businesses a special experience for customers and for elevating the restaurant scene through their lifetime of achievements.