Stars of the Industry
Details & Categories
Contact Us
Contact Natalia Varzea, Event & Marketing Coordinator, at
(603) 228-9585 or at nvarzea@nhlra.com.
Procedure and Timeline
Nominations​
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Nominations may be submitted by supervisors, co-workers, customers, friends, or family. Self-nominations are accepted. Out-of-state nominations will not be accepted. Please do not submit multiple nominations for the same person. In order to be considered, all nomination questions must be answered. You may submit nominations in multiple categories. Past Stars of the Industry winners are not eligible to be finalists in the same category they previously won. However, they may qualify in a different category. Nominations will close at midnight on July 31, 2025.
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NHLRA Member Categories​
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The following categories are designed to recognize businesses or individuals affiliated with the NHLRA as members: Allied Member of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Brewer of the Year, Chef of the Year, Hotelier of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Lodging Employee of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, and the Rising Star Award.
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If you're not currently an NHLRA member but would like to nominate yourself or someone on your team for a Member Category, the NHLRA is offering a 3-month trial membership exclusively for hospitality businesses. This opportunity allows you to experience the benefits of NHLRA membership and submit nominations in member-only categories. To learn more, please reach out to Natalia Várzea at nvarzea@nhlra.com.
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Scoring
The number of nominations an individual or business receives does not impact their evaluation. Instead, nominations that provide detailed, high-quality submissions with specific examples will be scored more favorably. The NHLRA Executive Committee will score each nomination based on a rubric, and the three highest scoring nominees in each category will be selected as finalists.
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Finalists
Finalists will be notified directly by August 10, 2025. Finalists have until midnight on August 17, 2025 to confirm and accept the nomination. Finalists will be publicly announced by August 28, 2025. The winners will be decided by public vote.
Public Voting
Public voting will begin on September 3, 2025 and will conclude on September 14, 2025. Please note that multiple submissions for the same individual will not increase their chances of winning, as only one vote per nominee will be counted. Finalists are welcome to promote themselves in their establishments, online, etc.
Winners
Winners will be announced publicly on September 15, 2025. Finalists who did not win will be notified as well. Please note that scoring results will not be shared.
Category Descriptions
Public Categories
Boutique Lodging Property of the Year​​
The Boutique Lodging Property of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire hotel, inn, bed & breakfast, or resort with 50 rooms or less that delivers an exceptional guest experience. This property stands out through warm hospitality, unique character, and thoughtful service. This property provides outstanding guest satisfaction, operational success, and contribution to the hospitality and tourism industry.​
Brewery of the Year​
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The Brewery of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire brewery that demonstrates excellence by producing high-quality products and delivering outstanding customer service. This brewery leads and supports the industry by building strong relationships with patrons and supporting the brewing community.
​Getaway Lodging Property of the Year
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The Getaway Lodging Property of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire hotel, inn, bed & breakfast, or resort with 51 rooms or more that delivers an exceptional guest experience. This property stands out through exceptional service, quality amenities, and commitment to the hospitality and tourism industry. This property significantly contributes to the community and sets a high standard for lodging.
Landmark Restaurant of the Year​
The Landmark Restaurant of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire restaurant with four locations or more that delivers an exceptional customer experience. This restaurant stands out for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and community involvement.
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year
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The Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire restaurant with three locations or less that delivers an exceptional customer experience. This restaurant stands out for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and community involvement.
Roaming Kitchen of the Year​
The Roaming Kitchen of the Year award recognizes a food truck or catering company that delivers exceptional culinary experiences on the move. This business demonstrates creativity, innovation, and quality as well as exceptional customer service.
Travel Hotspot of the Year
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The Travel Hotspot of the Year award recognizes a New Hampshire business, destination, or attraction that draws visitors by delivering an unforgettable and engaging experience. This hotspot stands out for its popularity, positive guest experiences, and its ability to showcase the best of what New Hampshire has to offer. This destination plays a key role in supporting the state’s tourism economy and enriching the visitor journey.
Member Categories
Bartender of the Year​
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The Bartender of the Year award recognizes a bar manager, bartender, or mixologist who demonstrates significant achievement and growth. They display creativity and passion, lead by example, and are committed to providing exceptional service to customers.
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Brewer of the Year​
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The Brewer of the Year award recognizes an individual who demonstrates significant achievement and growth. They support the industry and set the standard for excellence through quality and service. Their passion and dedication are evident in every pour.
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Hotelier of the Year
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The Hotelier of the Year award recognizes a manager, operator, or owner of a hotel, inn, or bed & breakfast who demonstrates exceptional success in the hospitality industry. They advocate for the industry, contribute to the economic climate in the community, provide opportunities for growth within their team, and exemplify the spirit of hospitality through leadership and service.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
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The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has been a longstanding, influential, and prominent fixture in New Hampshire’s hospitality and tourism community. Their legacy is reflected in their commitment to mentor others, give back philanthropically, and wholeheartedly support the industry.
Lodging Employee of the Year
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The Lodging Employee of the Year award recognizes an individual employed at a hotel, inn, or bed & breakfast that you “couldn’t live without.” They demonstrate a selfless attitude, lead by example, provide leadership to the team, and consistently deliver exceptional service to guests.
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Restaurant Employee of the Year
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The Restaurant Employee of the Year award recognizes an individual in the foodservice industry that you “couldn’t live without.” They demonstrate a selfless attitude, lead by example, provide leadership to the team, and consistently deliver exceptional service to customers.
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Restaurateur of the Year
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The Restaurateur of the Year award recognizes a manager, operator, or owner who demonstrates exceptional success in the hospitality industry. They advocate for the industry, contribute to the economic climate in the community, provide opportunities for growth within their team, and exemplify the spirit of hospitality through their leadership and service.
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Rising Star Award
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The Rising Star Award recognizes someone under 40, who has made an impact on the hospitality and tourism industry. Whether they’re new to the industry or have recently opened a successful business, they bring energy, drive, and passion to their role. They go above and beyond and show promise as a future leader in the industry.