Bennett Caldwell |
Tavernetta Denver
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Geaux Tigers and Who Dat!), Bennett got started in restaurants at the age of 19 as a busboy, which eventually led to serving, bartending, and working banquets at a couple of restaurants around his hometown. He discovered a love for the industry while shucking countless oysters, boiling thousands […]
Paul Anders | Sweet Basil Vail
CHEF PAUL ANDERS Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduating summa cum laude, he accepted an Assistant Chef position at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, where he met his wife, Theresa. From there, Paul traveled the country refining his craft at renowned luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, including the Four […]
Bo Porytko | Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails | 2024 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF BO PORYTKO 2024 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Chef Bo Porytko is a Ukrainian American restaurateur and chef based in Denver, Colorado, celebrated for his imaginative, nostalgia-driven approach to food. He is the owner and operator of three beloved Denver restaurants — Rebel Restaurant, Misfit Snack Bar, and Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails — and is widely regarded as […]
Michael Diaz de Leon | Molino Chido
The name, Molino Chido, refers to the ‘molino’ or mill, used to grind corn to make masa, while ‘chido’ means ‘cool’ or ‘awesome’. Ultimately, ‘chido’ has become our own term to describe our vibe: polished grit, cooking with intention, kaizen, true hospitality, teamwork, doing things the right way and celebrating your community. Michael Diaz de […]
Erasmo Casiano
Xiquita Restaurante y Bar, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Create Kitchen & Bar | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF ERASMO CASIANO 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Erasmo “Ras” Casiano started his culinary career at the early age of 15. He attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island in 2005 and transferred to and graduated from the Denver Campus in 2007. Ras’ mother, Santa Lucina (Lucy), is the inspiration and motivation […]
Kenta Kamo
Temaki Den | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF KENTA KAMO 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Chef Kenta Kamo’s culinary story is rooted in his family heritage, travel, and a life-long love for Japanese cuisine. Raised between Baton Rouge and Japan’s Tokyo/Saitama region, Kamo grew up immersed in two vibrant culinary worlds, each shaping his appreciation for the role food plays […]
Alon Shaya |
Safta
CHEF ALON SHAYA Born in Israel, raised in Philadelphia, and a proud New Orleanian, Alon Shaya has always had a deep love and appreciation for food and the singular way restaurants anchor their communities. In 2017, he and his wife, Emily, founded Pomegranate Hospitality, whose restaurants include Saba (New Orleans), Safta (Denver), Miss River and […]
John Wilson
Bella Colibri | 2025 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF JOHN WILSON 2025 HOSPYS Finalist: Chef of the Year Chef John Wilson is the Co-owner and Executive Chef of Bella Colibri, where his dishes interpret Southern Italian Classics with a focus on simplicity, seasonality, and bold, honest flavors. In 2025, Chef John Wilson was a Colorado Restaurant Association Hospitality Award (HOSPYS) Finalist for Chef […]
Matt Vawter
Rootstalk Breckenridge | 2024 HOSPYS Finalist
CHEF MATT VAWTER 2024 HOSPYS Finalist | Restaurant of the Year 2024 James Beard Foundation Award Winner | Best Chef: Mountain James Beard Foundation Award ‘Best Chef: Mountain’ winner Chef Matt Vawter, raised in Summit County, Colorado, began his culinary journey at the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Apprenticeship Program in Keystone. In 2007, he joined […]
Kenneth Minton III
Coperta
As a kid, chef Kenny could always be found in the kitchen at home helping with dinner. Coming from a family of seven, this was always a hefty task. Kenny has always found joy in cooking for those around him and watching everyone come together over a scratch meal. His mom, to this day, says […]
