Kansas Hospitality Association Held Awards Ceremony

The annual Stars of the Industry event recognized outstanding professionals in the state restaurant and hospitality sector.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Food and Drink

Kansas Hospitality Association Held Awards Ceremony

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The Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association hosted its annual Hospitality Night Out and Stars of the Industry awards ceremony in Wichita. Industry members were solicited to nominate peers for honors across 10 categories at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport.

Why it matters

The Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association serves a critical role in the state by providing industry training and lobbying the state Legislature. These awards highlight excellence within the food and beverage sector for members of the professional organization.

The awards ceremony featured 10 distinct categories for industry professionals. To be eligible for these honors, most winners must maintain active membership in the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

The players

Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association

This organization advocates for the interests of the food and beverage industry while providing professional training for its members.

Austin and Manu English

These individuals are the owners of the restaurant Prost.

Jamie and Ryan Verbeckmoes

These owners operate the four-location chain Ziggy's Pizza.

Matt Hyde

He is the owner of 715 Restaurant.

The details

The event brought together food industry professionals from cities across Kansas, including Wichita, Lawrence, and Overland Park. Nominees and attendees represented a broad cross-section of the state's hospitality landscape, ranging from long-standing businesses to newer local establishments.

Ziggy's Pizza opened its first location in 2012.
First Mile Kitchen opened in January 2022.
Aurora's Cafe opened in May 2024.
Sable Kitchen & Bar opened in May 2025.
The Hospitality Night Out awards ceremony was held on October 13, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The awards program follows a pattern set by the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association's ongoing efforts to unify the local food economy. This gathering reflects a larger trend of trade groups strengthening professional standards to compete in a crowded statewide market.

The event highlights the local establishments and owners that shape dining experiences across the state. Residents can identify top-tier service and culinary quality by following the businesses recognized during this annual industry celebration.

The takeaway

The event highlights the depth of the local culinary scene across major Kansas hubs. Consumers can use the list of nominees and winners to discover reputable dining options that are verified by industry peers.