The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has been searching for the state's hospitality industry stars to be honored at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner in November. New this year, two of the awards categories are open to the public to vote for the Bartender Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year! Voting is now closed - thank you for your participation!
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Bartender Star of the Year
The Bartender Star of the Year award is presented to an outstanding bartender who has shown exceptional talent, creativity, and skill in the art of mixology. This bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, continually honing their skills and expanding their knowledge of the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The Bartender Star of the Year award recognizes a bartender who not only delivers exceptional drinks but also provides exceptional service, establishing a strong connection with their customers and making them feel welcomed and appreciated. |
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Click the name of the finalist below to read more about the nominee.
Curry Lund - big e's sports grill
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Why are you nominating Curry for this award?
"Curry is the perfect example of what a Bartender should be. Bartenders are "On Stage" at all times. Curry is not only well known throughout the industry but also the community. Curry has the work ethic (noticed by guests, vendors, internal and external people in the field) others aspire to have. He is highly sought after and we are proud and extremely fortunate to have him working with us. He goes above and beyond to not only service our guest and leaving them wanting to come back, he will change our day. a 10 second interaction with him will have you laughing and feeling good. He is one of the first people to help anyone needing it, from our support office right down to his co-workers. He has voluntarily supported re-launching 2 of our restaurants, works with vendors making sure we have the best product possible and ensures everyone he works with has the support and tools needed to be successful. If you have the opportunity to meet Curry, I would encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity, you will understand why I speak so highly and passionately about him." |
JEremy williams - mdrd restaurant
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Why are you nominating Jeremy for this award?
"As the Director of F&B at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, I feel an obligation to nominate our best and brightest bartender, Jeremy Williams. While I work with many talented folks, Jeremy constantly is overdelivering and wowing me and our guests. Jeremy embodies everything I want when I am out being served. He is prompt, warm, passionate, and knowledgeable while still being approachable. Jeremy shares his vast knowledge in the most unpretentious way. Jeremy embodies hospitality via his attention to detail, professionalism, and true care to make sure everyone leaves his bar in a better mood then when they sat down. Jeremy's supporting team follow suit - a testament to Jeremy's leadership and the respect that some of his fellow "best of the best" bartenders in town bestow upon Jeremy - they chose to work alongside Jeremy instead of helming their our bars as lead bartenders. Jeremy created both MDRD's cocktail menu & spirits list - updating both seasonally. I have attached our current beverage menu. Each cocktail he puts on the menu is unique and a one off creation by Jeremy and his team. The success of MDRD's cocktail menu can be easily witnessed on our Instagram page - always one of the stars of the show at MDRD. One major reason behind MDRD's status as one of the best restaurants in West Michigan is Jeremy. He also keeps the most organized and clean bar - a big pet peeve of mine. The arrangement of the whole bar is completely thought out for efficiency. I could go on and on about Jeremy. In the end, I am just very proud to have Jeremy on my team. He makes us all proud every day." |
Jennifer caldiran - ruth's chris steakhouse
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Why are you nominating Jennifer for this award?
"Jenifer is an amazing bartender. She is always upbeat and takes amazing care of her guests. She goes above and beyond on every shift that she works. Jenifer takes pride in her pride and the drinks that she serves." |
Tricia daniels - the watershed tavern & grill
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Why are you nominating Tricia for this award?
"Tricia has been bartending and serving at the Watershed for years. She is a resident in the Haslett and Okemos communities who has been serving up the best food and drinks at The Watershed in Haslett. Regulars and non-regulars alike enjoy and get excited when Tricia is working!" |
hannah greer - jw marriott
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Why are you nominating Hannah for this award?
"Hannah is a wonderful young lady, who is positive, encouraging, a leader, and a student of the craft. She has taken on the roll as Bartender and has excelled since day one. She is teachable, patient, and has wonderful presence behind the bar here at Margaux. A great force in innovative cocktail making!" |
Misty gerecke - continental cregar's
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Why are you nominating Misty for this award?
"Misty Gerecke is the Bar Supervisor at Meadow Brook Hall. She is not A star of the industry, she IS the Star. I have worked in the industry for 30 years and Misty, by far, has the highest and most unwavering standards in systems, procedures, training, quality and presentation of product, people and the bar itself. She clearly understands the "brand standards" of the venue and delivers every shift, every event, every day. I always tell the bartenders that report to her how lucky they are to work under her supervision. Working for her will teach you discipline and commitment to a high standard of excellence that you simply will not get anywhere else. She is loyal, dependable and dedicated to her roll at Meadow Brook Hall. She is the reason we are able to exceed the expectations of our guests during meadow brook hall events. Remember, Meadow Brook Hall already has an extremely high standard of excellence with a that has earned four-star rating in quality of service. I would love to see Misty get this award." |
Resort Star of the Year
The Resort of the Year award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. The recipient of this award provides guests with a memorable vacation, complete with top-notch accommodations, outstanding amenities, and exceptional customer service. This resort not only meets but exceeds guests' expectations with their attention to detail, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence. The Resort of the Year award recognizes a resort that goes above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable getaway experience for all its visitors.
The Resort of the Year award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. The recipient of this award provides guests with a memorable vacation, complete with top-notch accommodations, outstanding amenities, and exceptional customer service. This resort not only meets but exceeds guests' expectations with their attention to detail, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence. The Resort of the Year award recognizes a resort that goes above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable getaway experience for all its visitors.
Click the name of the finalist below to read more about the nominee.
TREETOPS RESORT
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With 81 holes of world class golf and the premier family winter playground, Treetops is truly Northern Michigan’s best kept secret. Combined with deluxe accommodations, a relaxing spa, inspirational meeting space and backdrops made for fairytale weddings, are just some of the reasons people visit once and make Treetops Resort their annual destination for a quick getaway! Treetops is a magical place that has captured the hearts of many over the years. Whether you come for a day or a week, Treetops is bound to leave you with lasting memories. Let us share with you something that we love so much. Come see what the Treetops Family is all about! It is our promise to anticipate every detail, and every effort is made to ensure a seamless and unforgettable travel experience from arrival to departure. At Treetops, the activities and events are unlimited.
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Crystal Mountain
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Since 1956, Crystal Mountain has been the place where family and friends create unforgettable memories. This four-season, family owned resort is nestled in the heart of Benzie County, surrounded by northern Michigan hardwoods and towering pines. Home to two championship golf courses, Michigan's only alpine slide and an award-winning LEED-certified spa, this 1500-acre destination is designed to connect people with self, nature and others - in all four seasons.
Located just 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Crystal is the perfect basecamp to explore what it means to be Up North - extensive trail systems, menus featuring produce from local farmers and Midwestern charm beaming from the staff who live and work here. The comradery and friendliness of the property owners, members, guests and employees speak volumes to the company culture and Crystal Community. Speaking of community, partnerships and collaboration are among Crystal Mountain's values. The resort is known for supporting community initiatives, nonprofits and being a responsible steward of natural resources. The success and recognition from highly respected publications such as Conde' Nast Traveler and Outside Magazine are just a reflection of the guest experience. There is an obvious will to exceed guest expectations and that is demonstrated through the ongoing investments Crystal puts into the wide variety of accommodations, events and activities. From a single ski run on Buck Hills to 59 downhill slopes at Crystal Mountain, the growth of this premier destination has only executed developments with the long view, because ultimately the goal is to make sure generations year after year can experience the beauty of northern Michigan in all four seasons. Those looking for a wedding venue, company retreat, family vacation or friend’s getaway - this is the place to be. |
Mission Point Resort
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On the sunrise side of Mackinac Island, where no cars or worries are allowed, sits Mission Point Resort. Poised on 18 acres overlooking the waters edge, Mission Point attracts travelers craving to reconnect with themselves, their passions, and their surroundings.
Whether you’re a family looking for an unforgettable summer vacation, a couple longing for a romantic getaway, or a professional seeking a meeting space with a picturesque backdrop, extraordinary Mackinac Island experiences await you at Mission Point. Mission Point is home to 241 guest rooms and suites located in two buildings: the Main Lodge and the Straits Lodge. Also on property, you'll find designed culinary adventures at six restaurants and eateries and and an abundance of activities to enjoy. |
Grand Traverse Resort
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After a day's drive or commuter flight from most major Midwest cities, guests arrive at our Michigan resort to discover the destination's gifts—time, relaxation, and adventure. Rising in the midst of Northern Michigan's freshwater bounty, winding wooded trails, and sugar-sand beaches, you'll find Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Regarded as a premier Michigan vacation destination, we've been ranked among the nation's finest resorts with accolades from Golf Digest USA Today Forbes, TripAdvisor, and others.
From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay to the top of our 17-story glass Tower, our team's focus is on presenting a grand experience. Whether you've arrived for business, a vacation, or a more permanent stay, you'll find accommodations, amenities, and activities that suit your needs and lifestyle, paired with service that exceeds expectations. You'll also find that our own love for Northern Michigan's unique natural attributes and commitment to our community instills a level of environmental stewardship that surpasses hospitality standards nationwide. Through the implementation of our Environmental Management System and the relentless effort from every Resort employee, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa practices ongoing stewardship of the environment. |
