Kelowna posted Jun 30, 2015 @ 09:14am by Anita Sthankiya

Kelowna Restaurant Inducted into BC Restaurant Hall of Fame

The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame 2015 inductees have been announced and a Kelowna restaurant has been recognized.

"We are thrilled to once again be inducting some incredible people in our industry,” comments Heidi Rominch, Chair BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. “We had a record of 52 nominees this year making a difficult decision for our more than 80 judges to determine this year’s recipients.”

La Bussola has been honoured this year by the BCRFA (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

Among this year’s inductees is La Bussola’s Franco Coccaro as they have been given a Front of House Industry Award.

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) will recognize 11 outstanding individuals from BC’s hospitality industry at a gala event on September 29^th, 2015.

“The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame was established to recognize the individuals in the restaurant industry who have made significant contributions to the BC restaurant scene; making it the finest in Canada. Paying tribute to individuals, past or present, who have shaped the vibrant culinary industry in British Columbia,” states Ian Tostenson, President/CEO BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame was conceived in 2004 and the first groups of inductees were honoured in March of 2005. This is the first, and remains the only, Restaurant Hall of Fame in Canada.”

2015 Inductees:
The Active Restaurateur Award Celebrates the exceptional restaurateur who is currently active in the BC restaurant industry.

Neil Wyles - Hamilton Street Grill
Andre St. Jacques - Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler
Paul Hadfield - Spinnaker Brew Pub
Jamie Henderson - Keg Restaurants

The Industry Award An individual who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant industry. These individuals are recognized for providing customers with a special restaurant experience.
Back of House (Industry Award):
Chris Whittaker – forage
Amber Anderson – H.A.V.E. Café

Front of House (Industry Award):
Pat Allabarton, Milestones
Franco Coccaro, La Bussola
Builder Award This special recognition award is presented from time to time to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry in British Columbia, but who may not otherwise qualify for induction into the Hall of Fame
Sue Singer - Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Coffee & Beverage Award Celebrating exceptional leaders from the coffee and beverage industry.
Pete Boeda and Barney McKenzie, Bean Around The World

Friend of the Industry Award An individual who has consistently supported BC's restaurant industry.
Dennis Green, Go2

If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.