Iowa Restaurant Association

10/09/2026

Congratulations to Chef Cory Barrett of Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville, the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2026 Chef of the Year! 🥳

For nearly three decades, Cory’s culinary career has been shaped by a willingness to say “yes” to opportunities that challenge him to learn and grow. That journey has taken him through acclaimed kitchens in Michigan, Las Vegas and Cleveland, nearly seven years working with Michael Symon, some 17 appearances on Iron Chef America, three James Beard Award semifinalist honors and a decade spent teaching culinary arts.

In 2021, another “yes” brought Cory and his family to Iowa to create Barrett’s Quality Eats. Today, the Coralville restaurant brings together the many sides of his career—from pastries, coffee and all-day brunch to an evening experience rooted in the technique and creativity of fine dining. Through it all, Cory remains grounded in a philosophy he learned growing up: take pride in your craft and do your best with what you have.

For a career defined by curiosity, craft and a commitment to keep learning, we’re proud to recognize Chef Cory Barrett as our 2026 Chef of the Year.

Thank you to The Iowa Egg Council , presenting sponsor of the Chef of the Year Award.

Join us October 19 at Prairie Meadows to celebrate Chef Cory and all of our 2026 Celebrating Excellence honorees at the Iowa Hospitality Showcase & Celebrating Excellence Awards ➡️ https://zurl.co/8hSwl

10/08/2026

It's Latino Restaurant Week!
Visit https://iowalatinohospitalitycouncil.org/iowa-latino-restaurant-week/ to see the 20+ participating restaurants and start planning your dinner out! 🍽️

Iowa Latino Hospitality Council | Cityview Magazine

¡EMBÁRCATE EN UNA AVENTURA CULINARIA DURANTE LA SEMANA DEL RESTAURANTE LATINO DE IOWA! Del 2 al 11 de octubre, adéntrate en un mundo de sabores vibrantes y descubre la increíble diversidad de la cocina latina. La Semana de Restaurantes Latinos de Iowa es tu pasaporte a una aventura culinaria, do...

10/08/2026

Congratulations to Simon Goheen of Simon's in Des Moines, the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2026 Restaurateur of the Year! 👏👏

Long before Simon had a restaurant of his own, he was learning what hospitality looked like from the other side of the table. Growing up, his family regularly visited restaurants supplied by his parents’ bakery, where owners would stop by the table, visit and make them feel welcome.

Simon carried those experiences with him when, at just 21 years old, he took over the location that would become Simon’s. More than two decades later, he has built one of Des Moines’ most beloved restaurants—where guests line up before the doors open for familiar favorites, homemade desserts and, above all, genuine hospitality.

That commitment earned Simon’s national recognition in 2025 as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality.

For more than 20 years of showing up, taking care of people and creating a place where guests feel at home, we’re proud to recognize Simon as our 2026 Restaurateur of the Year.

Thank you to Sysco Iowa, presenting sponsor of the Restaurateur of the Year Award.

Join us October 19 at Prairie Meadows to celebrate Simon and all of our 2026 Celebrating Excellence honorees at the Iowa Hospitality Showcase & Celebrating Excellence Awards. 🔗 https://zurl.co/KgGAf

10/06/2026

Hit the road this weekend for Choose Iowa's 2nd annual Fall Crawl! 🚗 🍂
Visit ChooseIowa.com/fallcrawl to plan your fall road trip and support local farmers and small businesses!

We are only FOUR days away from the Choose Iowa Fall Crawl!! 🧀🍁🥤

Grab your friends and hit the road on this Iowa adventure to find local bites, seasonal sips, Iowa made products and everything in between!

Join our FREE Passport to see over 120 participating locations across the state! www.chooseiowa.com/chooseiowapassport (Don't forget to check in on your Choose Iowa Passport when you stop to earn points and win prizes!!) 😃

10/06/2026

In honor of our 8th class of “40 Women To Watch” in Iowa’s hospitality industry, we’d like to introduce you to each of our 2026 honorees! Come celebrate these incredible women on October 19th. 🔗 https://zurl.co/MkKAc

Tai Johnson-Spratt has built a career by exploring nearly every corner of Iowa's hospitality industry. An alumna of the Iowa Culinary Institute, she has been a poultry producer, pizza restaurant owner, downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market vendor, pastry chef, and Advanced Baking instructor at DMACC before joining Moines Embassy Club: Downtown + West, where she has elevated the club's pastry program for more than a decade. A member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, Tai believes one of the greatest privileges of her career has been sharing her knowledge with future chefs while continuing to learn alongside them.

10/05/2026

In honor of our 8th class of “40 Women To Watch” in Iowa’s hospitality industry, we’d like to introduce you to each of our 2026 honorees! Come celebrate these incredible women on October 19th. 🔗 https://zurl.co/PfsZK

Scout Lohenry discovered her passion for hospitality after college when she began working part time at a cocktail bar and realized she was more excited about that role than her full-time office career. Today, as Catering Sales Manager at Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, she is known for building relationships and creating unforgettable experiences. Just two months into her first hotel sales role, Scout stepped up to manage the hotel's event business while senior leaders were on maternity leave, proving she was ready for the challenge. While building a life with her husband and young daughter, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue hospitality with confidence: "Don't be afraid to voice new ideas, lean on others, and stand up for yourself."

10/05/2026

🎉 TWO WEEKS AWAY! 🎉

The Iowa Hospitality Showcase & Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony is almost here — and you won’t want to miss this party with a purpose!

Here’s what’s in store on Oct. 19 at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel:

🍽️ Sample dishes from our statewide culinary competition
🍷 Sip and sample beverage offerings
🍰 Indulge in decadent desserts
🎶 Enjoy live music from Tony Bohnenkamp
🏆 Celebrate industry award winners & the 2026 class of 40 Women to Watch
🥂 Raise a glass to the best of Iowa’s hospitality industry

Bring your team, your colleagues and your crew — and celebrate all that makes Iowa hospitality worth raising a glass to.

📅 Monday, October 19
📍 Prairie Meadows | Altoona

🎟️ Get your tickets now ➡️ https://zurl.co/U28dt
👥 Or reserve a table for your whole team ➡️ https://zurl.co/1vaEb 🍷🍷

10/02/2026

☕️ See you Monday!
Join us for our next Hospitality Exchange at Gilroy's . Come connect with fellow hospitality professionals, share ideas and grow together. 🤝

📅 October 5 | ⏰ 9:15 a.m.
🔗 RSVP ➡️ https://zurl.co/lbwUs

10/02/2026

In honor of our 8th class of “40 Women To Watch” in Iowa’s hospitality industry, we’d like to introduce you to each of our 2026 honorees! Come celebrate these incredible women on October 19th. 🔗 https://zurl.co/8Kkbo

Samantha Peyton never expected a job at 𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 would become a lifelong career. After starting as a clubhouse server while attending Kirkwood Community College, she discovered a passion for hospitality, returned to earn her Hospitality Management degree, and has spent the past decade growing into Marketing & Event Director. Along the way, Samantha discovered that the qualities she once viewed as weaknesses—her quiet nature and sensitivity—were actually her greatest strengths. Learning to lean into these traits helped her connect better with people and steadily grow in her career. Today, she believes hospitality is about helping people feel truly seen. She hopes more women recognize the unique value they bring to the industry, encouraging them to stay curious, lean into discomfort, and never change who they are.

10/01/2026

In honor of our 8th class of “40 Women To Watch” in Iowa’s hospitality industry, we’d like to introduce you to each of our 2026 honorees! Come celebrate these incredible women on October 19th. 🔗 https://zurl.co/Anewy

After more than 25 years in hotel management, including leading multiple properties, Robie Palmer still believes the best hotels are built from the inside out, beginning with the people who make guests feel welcome every day. As General Manager of 𝗧𝗿𝘂 𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 in Grimes, she leads by example, creating a culture where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. For Robie, hospitality is ultimately about people taking care of people. She finds the greatest reward in watching team members grow into confident leaders while delivering the kind of service guests remember long after checkout. "Hospitality is about people taking care of people," she says, "and that is what has made this career both meaningful and fulfilling for me."