“These 23 outstanding individuals represent excellence across all corners of BC’s food and restaurant industry. Honoured across several categories, this year's inductees exemplify passion, resilience, and leadership.”

“From chefs and restaurateurs to visionary leaders and advocates, each inductee has left a lasting mark on the culinary community in British Columbia. The 2025 celebration promises to be an inspiring and heartfelt tribute to their contributions.”

IAN TOSTENSON
President & CEO, BCRFA

Here are our 2025 Hall of Fame inductees! Join us on October 20, 2025 at Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre to celebrate.

20th Annual BC Restaurant Hall of Fame

ACTIVE RESTAURANTEUR

• Tannis Ling + Joël Watanabe + Alain Chow - Bao Bei, Kissa Tanto, and Meo

• Lori Katakoa - Yuwa

• Jason Chan - Kirin Restaurant

• Paul Grunberg - Banda Volpi Hospitality (Savio Volpe, Elio Volpe, Caffe La Tana, Pepino’s Spaghetti House)

LOCAL CHAMPION

• Roger Sleiman - Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

• Shira Blustein - The Acorn

• Eli Brennan - Water St. Cafe, Nanoose Bay Cafe, Qualicum Beach Cafe, Deez Bar and Grill

• Ronnie Lee - Lil’ Ronnie’s Beachside BBQ, Tofino Catering

LEADING EMPLOYEE/MANAGER - FRONT OF HOUSE

• Hector Medina -  Bodega on Main

LEADING EMPLOYEE/MANAGER - BACK OF HOUSE

• Jason Kleinfeld - Carderos

RISING STAR

• Matt Cusano - Ciao Chili

HOSPITALITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATION AND/OR OPERATIONS

• Christian Kelly - Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited 

SUPPLIER

• Jenice Yu - Eat Fish

• Jon Crofts - Codfather’s Seafood Market

FRIENDS OF THE INDUSTRY

• Glen Korstrom - Business in Vancouver

• Lana Popham - Ministry of Agriculture and Food

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

• John Harper - Spectra Foods & ABC Restaurants

• Bob Gaglardi + Al Howie - Northland Restaurant Group

• Ron Toigo + Peter Toigo Jr. - White Spot Hospitality