The Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Celebrates with Food, Wine and Awards

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/23/2014 -- The Educational Foundation of the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA) hosted its annual Evening of Hospitality event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport on Monday, Oct. 13.

The evening included a social with cocktails and appetizers, an award ceremony and gourmet food prepared by Chef Larry Walker, with help from students from the ProStart program — an opportunity for KRHA members to see career and technical education at work.

The highlight of the evening was the “Stars of the Industry” awards, which celebrate the recipients’ accomplishments and dedication to the industry. “Each recipient exemplifies a tremendous commitment to their respective industry, the association and their community,” said KRHA President and CEO Adam Mills.

Award Recipients:

Teacher of the Year – Glenna Nance, Blue Valley Academy, Overland Park
Glenna Nance has been teaching at Blue Valley Academy for nearly 15 years and has been utilizing the ProStart program since 2011. Glenna teaches students the importance of giving back by supporting school functions. She also encourages her students to earn industry-recognized certifications by administering the ServSafe and ProStart exams.

Mentor of the Year - Matthew Robinson, Holiday Inn, Wichita
With nearly 30 years in the industry, Chef Matthew Robinson is the food and beverage director/executive chef at the Wichita Holiday Inn. Matthew began working at Marriott International in 1986, starting as an apprentice and working his way up the ladder to executive chef. In 2000, he became an owner of Side Pockets in Wichita, which he operated until 2012. He has devoted many hours to judge the ProStart Invitational over the last five years and is always willing to offer guidance and encouragement to aspiring students.

Allied Member of the Year - Bill Goodlatte, The LDF Companies, Wichita
Bill Goodlatte serves as Senior Vice President for The LDF Companies. This includes two major operations, the LDF Food Group, dba Wendy’s, and LDF Sales and Distribution, representing brands such as Miller and Coors. Bill serves on the KRHA Board of Directors and is very involved with the legislative committee.

Hotelier of the Year - Loren Unruh, Best Western Angus Inn
Loren Unruh’s restaurant career started in 1970 with Black Angus Steak Ranch, now Perkins Family Restaurant. In 1977, Loren opened a Best Western Hotel, which he expanded in 1980. Loren has also served on the KRHA Board of Directors and was president of the Kansas Lodging Association.

Restaurateur of the Year – Neal Stong, NuWay Burgers, Wichita
In 1981, Neal Stong became a partner as minority stockholder in FSF Inc., parent company of NuWay Burgers. Neal and his partner Gene ran several Wichita locations for nearly 20 years, until becoming the sole owner in 1998. Operating today in six Wichita locations, NuWay Burgers has used the original recipe and patented cooker for the last 85 years. Neal has been a member of KRHA since 1993. He also founded the Chet Stong memorial scholarship, which he funds at his alma mater Wichita State University.

Hall of Fame – Chuck Magerl, Free State Brewing Company & WheatFields Bakery and Cafe, Lawrence
Chuck Magerl studied biology and engineering at the University of Kansas, and Brewing Science at the University of California/Davis. In 1987, Chuck Magerl campaigned to change Kansas laws to permit the opening of Free State Brewing Company, which ultimately became the first legal brewery in the state in more than 100 years. In 1995, he became managing partner of Wheatfields Bakery and Cafe. Chuck has been a member of KRHA since 1989. He has also been a leader at both the local and state level promoting business owner’s rights.

The KRHA Educational Foundation is committed to supporting the journey of individuals who have discovered the boundless opportunities the hospitality industry provides to anyone willing to work hard, learn and grow.

“Our Educational Foundation helps high school students get started on a restaurant career with industry training and development,” said Adam Mills, KRHA president and CEO. “We are committed to nurturing the personal advancement that is the hallmark of our industry.”

All money raised from this event helps support the Educational Foundation of the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association, which is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Event sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors - Cargill, DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport, Heartland Payment Systems
Gold Sponsors - Hospitality Insurance Services, Intrust Bank, Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association Self Insurance-Fund, Vibe-It, LLC

Silver Sponsors - Ben E. Keith Foods, Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association, SYSCO Food Services of Kansas City, The LDF Companies

Contributing Sponsors - Butler Center for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, The Chocolate Fountain Event Rentals, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Hospitality Management Systems/MICROS, Kansas Star Casino, K-State Department of Hospitality Management Dietetics, Liberty Fruit Company, Inc., McDonald’s of Kansas, Regier Carr & Monroe LLP, Retail Data Systems, Remote Video of Kansas City, LLC, Wichita Press, Inc.
Donors - Beards Floral Design, Best Western Hotels of Kansas, Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

The Evening of Hospitality provides an opportunity to make connections and foster relationships with industry leaders, while supporting the KRHAEF program and initiatives. To become a sponsor or get more information about the event, email ncarlson@krha.org.

About KRHA
The Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, founded in 1929, is the leading business association for restaurants, hotels, motels, country clubs, private clubs and allied business in Kansas. Along with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association Education Foundation, the association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry of hospitality in Kansas.

For more information about the KRHA, visit www.KRHA.org

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