Meet America's Hospitality Heroes

Dear Pros,

You've got editor Amelia Schwartz this week. Restaurant awards often spotlight the managers, executive chefs, and owners at winning establishments, but every single restaurant worker plays a role in creating those magical experiences that guests want to return to again and again. They're the bartenders who manage to stir a perfect Martini while asking you how your night has been going, and the food runners who are able to swiftly bring that martini to a high top without spilling a drop. They're the servers who remember that you like your dressing on the side, and the bussers who replace your fork the instant it falls on the ground.

That's why I am so excited to share our second annual list of Hospitality Heroes — six kitchen and dining room workers in non-management roles who personify the spirit of hospitality by making their restaurants more efficient, creating memorable experiences, and spreading joy every step of the way.

Among the winners, there's Sandra Hanson, a New Orleans maître d' who has been taking reservations by hand at Brigtsen's for more than 40 years, and Victor "Vic" Vasquez, who preps ingredients at Mr. Tuna in Portland, Maine, from 5 a.m. to opening, then heads to his second job as a kitchen manager at Boda. Check out the full list of award winners here.

We have also been sharing the stories of our 2026 Hospitality Heroes over on Instagram, where folks have been showering these often-overlooked individuals with more praise. "Martín is the best thing about Uchi (and there are a lot of great things)," one commenter wrote about Martín Hernández, a dishwasher at Uchi's flagship location for the last 17 years. "[Sandra] epitomizes New Orleans hospitality," another commenter wrote. "[She] teaches us by showing what it means to embody the 'warm welcome.'"

Is there a Hospitality Hero in your life? Someone you know or work with who is indispensable to their restaurant? Shoot me a note at the email address below and tell me all about them. I'd love to consider them for next year's awards.

And, keep your eyes peeled for next Tuesday, September 15, when we announce our 2026 class of F&W Best New Chefs. It's a big week, Pros. I hope you're as excited as I am.

Warmly,
Amelia