Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Ordinary Awards, celebrating the best of the hospitality and tourism industry!
The following individuals and businesses were selected as winners from a record number of nominations. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s program – and we look forward to celebrating our industry once again in 2027!
Attraction of the Year
Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort
Charlottesville, VA
Bartender of the Year
Sara Albert
Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant
Brewery of the Year
Southern Revere Cellars
Louisa, VA
Campground of the Year
Small Country Campground
Louisa, VA
Charlie Buser Award for
Attraction Employee of the Year
Thomas Knighton
Small Country Campground
Chef of the Year
Victoria Cosner
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Distillery of the Year
Belmont Farm Distillery
Culpeper, VA
Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award
Mark Yardis
Shamin Hotels
Hospitality Hero – Business
Dover Hall
Manakin-Sabot, VA
Hospitality Hero – Individual
John Zirkle Jr
Virginia Beach Hotel Association
Hotelier of the Year
Ravi Patel
SINA Hospitality
Jim Ricketts Award for
DMO/CVB Employee of the Year
Cora Gnegy
Giles County Tourism
Jim Wordsworth Award for
Restaurateur of the Year
Mark Litz
Massanutten Resort
Legislator of the Year
Senator Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
Virginia District 39
Lodging Employee of the Year
Sean Hackney
Omni Hotel Richmond
Lodging Manager of the Year
Leidy Stinson
Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa
Lodging Property of the Year
Liberty Trust Hotel
Roanoke, VA
New Lodging Property of the Year
AC Hotel Arlington National Landing
Arlington, VA
New Restaurant of the Year
Good Ship Brewery & Eatery
Hopewell, VA
President’s Award
Gary Cohen
Glory Days Grill
Restaurant Employee of the Year
Shawn Taitano
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Eric Emerson
Chix on the Beach
Restaurant of the Year
Ada’s on the River
Alexandria, VA
Rising Pineapple Award for
Hospitality Student of the Year
Taylor Borden
Virginia State University
Supplier of the Year
Agriberry Farm & CSA
Hanover County, VA
Virginia ProStart Teacher of the Year
Scott Horne
Isle of Wight County Schools
Winery of the Year
Wolf Gap Vineyard
Edinburg, VA