HOSPITALITY HEROES

Meet the winners of our first-ever accolade for front- and back-of-house restaurant professionals.

- Amelia Schwartz

PERHAPS THEY’RE POURING you the perfect glass of wine. Maybe they’re the friendly face you see when you open the door, swiftly guiding you to your table. Or maybe they’re working efficiently in the dish pit, helping the entire restaurant run more smoothly. Whether you see them or not, there are dozens of individuals who play a role in elevating a restaurant from good to extraordinary. The inaugural F&W Hospitality Heroes accolade recognizes those individuals who go above and beyond—the restaurant workers in the front and back of house who embody the spirit of hospitality in every way. Selected from nominations from all over the country, these seven individuals are essential in making their restaurants a more joyful, successful operation for their coworkers and guests alike.

AMANDA PEDRICK

Server

Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

“Amanda has a thirst for knowledge and learning new skills to better connect with her tables and team. She makes sure that her guests have a special night—even if it means wearing a paper birthday hat and taking selfies with them to celebrate a 50th birthday. Amanda also loves her team so much that she even woke up at 5 a.m. to watch them run a marathon—and provide them with shots along the way.” —2018 F&W Best New Chef Kevin Tien, chef-owner of Moon Rabbit

MARIA RODRIGUEZ

Bartender

Cantina Rosa, Chicago