Cast Your Vote!
Stars of the Industry Awards

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 on April 16, 2025 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. This year, four of the awards categories are open to the public to vote for the Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year, Guest Experience Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year! Voting is open until March 21, 2025.

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.

Chum Skiera - Apache Trout Grill

Why are you nominating Chum for this award? 
"Chum excels in taking care of the guest. He is a complete professional when it comes to his bar top. He has numerous regulars who come to see him either, weekly, monthly or seasonally. He knows his customers names, drinks and meals. He has and continues to build a community at the bar top."

Malena Skorpen - Border Cantina

Why are you nominating Marlena for this award? 
"Marlena Excels at guest relations, very knowledgeable in her area of expertise and in the industry as well, does a lot of the ground work for border cantina and deserves the recognition. A standout employee."

Mattea Stratz - City Limits

Why are you nominating Mattea for this award? 
"Mattea is the best and sweetest bartender there is! She is very talkative and welcoming!"

Darlene Webber - Lake Bluff Grille at Muskegon Country Club

Why are you nominating Darlene for this award? 
"We call Dar the unofficial mayor of Muskegon as nearly every guest who walks through the door recognizes her. Dar provides the most genuinely gracious hospitality I have ever seen. She is a role model for all her co-workers who look up to her as a leader in the restaurant. She is a life long resident of the Lakeside community and embodies every quality desired."

Alexander Weinert - Wings Etc. Grill and Pub

Why are you nominating Alexander for this award? 
"Alex has been with our Restaurant for almost 10 years now and has created a loyal following of wonderful customers. He has set the tone for every shift he works by being the kind, friendly, funny, perky man he is! We have customers who travel over an hour away at times just to come in and be here while Alex is here. Not only is he that awesome, but he also works hard, and exhibits great support to his crew team also. He is someone in the company that others look up to, and ask for help when needed. He also uses his bar knowledge to create great drink specials, and train new staff as they start their journey here with us. Alex is top notch in customer service!"

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Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year
​​Our industry’s best ideas come from those who see the world with fresh eyes. This award, named in honor of Stevan Porter, former president of the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, is about recognizing the emerging leaders around us, those that energize the industry and inspire those around them. Do you work with an exemplary young professional under 35 who exhibits these traits? Share their story of “out of the box” thinking and their dedication to the craft of our trade. ​

Click the name of the finalist below to read more about the nominee.

Katelyn Belonga - Brentwood Grille

Katelyn Belonga works at Brentwood Grille in Novi, MI.  She has an exceptional dedication, work ethic, and passion for the restaurant industry.  She consistently goes above and beyond in every role, whether it is providing exceptional guest experience or working with her team.  She has strong leadership skills and a positive attitude that make her invaluable to the restaurant.

Samantha Derocher - Hotel Investment Services

Samanth Derocher works for HIS Corporation.  She joined the sales team in 2024 new to the industry and has done extremely well coming in and building new relationships.  She has grown the SMERF market by 4% over the last year.  She is a fantastic asset, and you will see her name for many years to come.

Victoria Hutter - The H Hotel

Victoria Hutter works for the H Hotel in Midland MI.  She possesses a rare combination of meticulous planning skills and a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle. Her positive can-do attitude is infectious, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure flawless event execution.  She consistently exceeds expectations, demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

Chedra King - Apache Trout Grill

Chedra King works at the Apache Trout Grille in Travers City, MI.  She has been a rising star since 2019 when she was 16 and began her job at the Apache Troute Grill.  She told her GM when she first began work, she would be a manager by age 24. She is on her way to that goal by always eager to learn and ask questions and learn from her performance day to day.  Her future holds so much more than she knows.
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Katie Wilson - Rusty Bucket

Katie Wilson works at the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  She is a shining example of kindness, patience, and energy in every interaction she has.  She has a natural gift for making people feel at home and consistently goes the extra mile. Here exceptional work ethics, compassion, and dedication make her an ideal candidate for Emerging Hospitality STAR.

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Guest Experience Star of the Year
​​​This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter the restaurant or hotel. An team member that best develops a climate conducive to new or repeat business, quickly establishes positive rapport and creates goodwill among guests, and/or effectively resolves guest complaints. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.  ​

Click the name of the finalist below to read more about the nominee.

Stephanie Brinkman - Team Schostak Family Restaurants Applebee's 

Stephanie Brinkman works for TSFR Applebee’s. She has a commitment and passion to ensure each guest leaves happy and satisfied. Stephanie is elite at building the team around her to make every guest the number one priority. She creates a family feeling through the elevated level of hospitality she creates with the team which is passed to each guest. She is truly remarkable!
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Deland (Chip) Davis - Firekeepers Casino Hotel

Deland Davis works at Firekeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, MI. As a valet attendant he is often the first and last impression guests receive at Firekeepers and embodies everything hospitality stands for. He has an unwavering dedication to his team and treats everyone as family. His selflessness, genuineness, and commitment to excellence make him most deserved of the award

Mary Garcia - North Michigan Hospitality Management 

Mary Garcia works for Northern Michigan Hospitality at the Residence Inn in East Lansing, MI. Mary comes to work with pride and admiration for her position. She is loyal to her co-workers, her community, and her brand. Mary exceeds expectations by providing a memorable experience for every guest and focuses on inclusivity, making every guest feel like family. She is kind and welcoming and that is the reason many of our guests return.
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Antonio Grant - Cambria Detroit

Antonio Grant works for the Cambria Hotel in Downtown Detroit. He shows a commitment to hospitality and guest service that is unparalleled. He has received numerous compliments from guests regarding his reliability and enthusiasm. He will always be on time and give outstanding service regardless of the obstacles that may get in his way. He is committed to guest satisfaction and is a great employee for Cambria.
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Molly Mateliski - The Highlands

Molly Matelski works for The Highlands in Harbor Springs, MI. She truly stands out as a star by prioritizing both her guests and her team, knowing that when her team is taken care of, they are better able to take care of the guest. Her team draws inspiration from her constant drive to go above and beyond. The progress and future goals are a direct reflection of her steadfast dedication to our guests

Michael Quinn - New Holland Brewing Co., South Haven 

​Michael Quinn works for New Holland in South Haven, MI. His guest service is second to none and should have a trophy! He is always quick with a joke or story to lift your spirits or just the right touch of empathy when you need someone to listen. He crafts the guest experience by creating a personalized moment that creates more than just a service experience. He is a remarkable service person that elevates our entire team!

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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.

Click the name of the finalist below to read more about the nominee.

Treetops Resort

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. 

Harbor Grand Hotel

Artfully renovated, The Harbor Grand is a waterfront boutique hotel offering low-key luxury, midwestern hospitality, thoughtful amenities and fireside Italian dining on New Buffalo Harbor—1 hour from Chicago, 3 hours from Detroit, steps from downtown local shops, Lake Michigan, and the beach. With bespoke breakfast baskets delivered each morning, an indoor saltwater pool, and nature-inspired waterfront spa, the experience blends romantic lakeside charm with restorative comfort.​
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Mission Point Resort

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.

Saint John's Resort

Saint John’s Resort is committed to delivering world-class amenities and exceptional experiences in golf, entertainment, recreation, and hospitality. Our dedication extends to every guest, whether they are staying overnight, playing golf, enjoying gourmet dining, hosting a corporate event, or celebrating a significant occasion. We strive to exceed expectations with superior service and products while upholding the highest family and community values. All profits from Saint John’s are donated to support nonprofit, educational, and humanitarian initiatives both locally in Metro-Detroit and globally.