Celebrate Excellence in the Poconos Hospitality Industry

Join us to celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses from northeastern Pennsylvania at the Spirit of Hospitality Poconos Regional Awards Celebration on August 15. 

The PRLA Educational Foundation (PRLAEF) Poconos Regional Spirit of Hospitality Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and businesses that make the Poconos region a vibrant destination. These awards celebrate the dedication and positive impact restaurant industry professionals have on their communities in Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Finalists will be honored at a regional event on August 15. 

Regional winners not only receive local recognition but are also automatically considered a finalists for the prestigious statewide PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Awards, giving your achievements a chance to shine on an even bigger stage. Celebrate excellence and inspire others—nominate today!

Awards Ceremony | August 15

Help us recognize the finalists and celebrate the Poconos' incredible hospitality community at the 2nd Annual Disc Golf Tournament hosted by Barley Creek Brewing Company! 

 

📍299 Long Road, Canadensis, PA 18325

🗓️ August 15, 2025

🕔 4 - 10 p.m.

🎟️ Awards Ceremony Tickets only: $20/person
Disc Golf Foursome (includes Awards Celebration): $100/foursome

 

PURCHASE TICKETS / REGISTER FOR DISC GOLF

 

Finalists will be recognized during the evening, and regional winners will advance as finalists for the statewide PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Awards this November. 

Proceeds benefit the PRLA Educational Foundation, which supports both current and future hospitality professionals across Pennsylvania through workforce development and education. 

Don't miss this chance to raise a glass to the people who make the Poconos' hospitality scene shine!

 

Award Categories / Finalists

Awards Celebration honoring all finalists will take place on August 15. Public voting to determine the winner of Best New Restaurant / Newcomer of the Year is open through July 31, 2025. Cast your vote today! 

Employee of the Year

- Michael Comunale, The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

- Joey Dieppa, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Lilia Kaczmarzyk, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Amanda Martin, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Poconos

Manager of the Year

- Kerra Fox, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Jamie Maher, The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

- Terri Marcellus, Settlers Hospitality

Industry Supporter

- Ralph Freije, Performance Foodservice

Rising Star

- Michael Campanella, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Joseph Flores, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Eric Noone, The Frogtown Chophouse

- Brianna Shay, Country Club of Scranton

Newcomer of the Year / Best New Restaurant

• A'tera 519

• Dulce Vita Restaurant & Bar

• Farmhouse Main Street

• Finola's Irish Pub

• Istanbul Grill

• Picciocchi's Pasta

• Red Miso

Sponsorship Opportunities

Celebrate Excellence. Elevate Your Brand. Support the Future of Hospitality.

The Poconos Area Spirit of Hospitality Awards offers a variety of sponsorship packages, each with their own unique benefits. As a sponsor, your business will gain premium visibility among key industry decision-makers while supporting the PRLA Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships and career development opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals. 

Sponsorship Levels

Diamond Sponsor (exclusive)

$5,000

This exclusive level includes 8 event tickets, opening remarks, an opportunity to present an award, a full page ad with premium placement in the event program, and recognition at the state awards program in November. 

Gold Sponsor (4 available)

$2,500

The gold level includes 4 event tickets, an opportunity to present an award, and a half-page ad in the event program.

Silver Sponsor (10 available)

$1,000

The silver level includes 2 event tickets and a quarter-page ad in the event program.

Awards Nominee Benefactor

$500

This level includes the donation of 2 gala tickets for an individual award nominee.