HospitalityMaine Names Annual Industry Award Winners
The trade group honors Maine industry leaders during the upcoming summit in Portland.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
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HospitalityMaine has announced its annual award winners, naming Steve DiMillo as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The trade organization also recognized Paige Gould as Restaurateur of the Year and Jose Ochoa as Chef of the Year.
Why it matters
These awards celebrate individuals who have significantly contributed to the state's restaurant and lodging sector. The honors highlight key figures who shape the culinary landscape for residents and visitors throughout Maine.
Tickets for the awards reception and dinner are priced at $110. The event recognizes industry veterans whose local establishments date back as far as 1954.
The players
Steve DiMillo
He is the co-owner of DiMillo's on the Water and was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Paige Gould
She is the co-owner of Central Provisions, Tipo, and Finestkind and was named Restaurateur of the Year.
Jose Ochoa
He is the chef at Natalie's at Camden Harbour Inn and was named Chef of the Year.
HospitalityMaine
This trade group represents the lodging, restaurant, and hospitality industry across the state of Maine.
The details
The recipients will be formally recognized during a special dinner at the annual HospitalityMaine Summit. The organization serves as the primary trade representative for the lodging, restaurant, and hospitality industries across Maine.
Timeline
1954: Tony DiMillo opened Anthony's on Fore Street.
1982: The DiMillo family opened DiMillo's on the Water.
Nov. 16, 2026: The annual awards dinner honoring the winners takes place.
Nov. 16-17, 2026: The HospitalityMaine Summit occurs at the Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks.
Culture Shift
This event follows a pattern set by the HospitalityMaine Summit, which remains the primary forum for recognizing professional excellence in the local sector. These awards reinforce a long-standing tradition of acknowledging the businesses that drive Maine's tourism economy.
The awards dinner serves as a public opportunity for industry supporters to engage with leading local restaurateurs and chefs. Tickets are available for those interested in attending the reception in Portland.
The takeaway
Celebrating leaders in the local hospitality space helps maintain high standards for service and culinary quality across the region. Residents can support the industry by participating in events that bring together the community's top culinary professionals.
What happens next
The annual awards dinner and the two-day HospitalityMaine Summit will be held on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, 2026, at the Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry recognition on the Maine Awards page.
More information
To review event details or register for the dinner, visit the HospitalityMaine awards event registration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Portland Press Herald.
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Should regional trade groups prioritize local family-owned businesses for industry awards?
