Heroes of Hospitality

2025 Heroes of Hospitality Award Recipients:

• Elvira Sanchez, housekeeping supervisor at Grand Bohemian Lodge: A quiet force in the hospitality industry for more than two decades, Sanchez brings incredible dedication to her work and is often called "the ultimate team player" by her colleagues. After Hurricane Helene, she quickly returned to assist coworkers, ensuring their safety and providing support. Even after the lodge closed, she remained a source of inspiration and leadership, helping to uplift the team. The Grand Bohemian Lodge will reopen its doors May 7, following extensive renovations in the wake of Helene.
• Fran and Taylor Montgomery, owners of Montgomery Sky Farm: The Montgomerys are celebrated for their commitment to sustainable farming and community support. After Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, they provided over 12,000 meals to storm victims without outside funding. Their farm became a vital lifeline, offering emergency shelter and comfort.  The farm welcomes hundreds of guests annually, promoting sustainable agriculture and animal rescue through educational experiences.
• Katie Kasben, concierge at The Inn on Biltmore Estate: Katie Kasben has been a caring presence at Biltmore for more than a decade. During Hurricane Helene, Kasben was ordained to officiate weddings and helped feed and care for more than 170 people, despite challenging conditions. Kasben fulfilled Make-A-Wish wishes, like arranging a special Serafina book tour for a young cancer patient and saving Thanksgiving for a struggling family.
• Katherine "Kat" Bell, bartender at Tall John's: Bell, a beloved bartender, connects with guests by remembering their names and stories. After Hurricane Helene, Bell hiked for miles from her home into the city to help her Asheville community, despite experiencing her own personal loss, distributing food to those in need. Known for her professionalism and calming presence, she has earned the trust of both coworkers and patrons alike.
• Erin Cronin, lead cook at Bear's Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen: Cronin quickly became essential to local relief efforts due to her strong leadership and experience in hospitality. For six months, she was the backbone of the community kitchen at Bear’s, arriving before dawn to prepare meals for those affected by the storm. Cronin's quiet dedication and steady presence inspire both staff and volunteers, significantly impacting our community's recovery.
• Philip DeAngelo, owner of Philip DeAngelo Studio and Gallery: After Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville's River Arts District, DeAngelo converted his gallery into Nonna DeAngelo's Kitchen, serving meals to those affected by the storm. His space became a sanctuary for community healing, supported by local organizations. Philip helped rebuild the spirit of the district, one meal at a time.

2024 Heroes of Hospitality Award Recipients:

• Ryan Jackson, customer host with Fox-n-Otter Escape Rooms: Celebrated for his genuine welcome, infectious joy, and commitment to service, Ryan has received 259 5-Star Google reviews mentioning his name, with many more on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other platforms.
• David Teafatiller, outdoor adventure guide with Hike Bike Kayak Asheville: A certified Blue Ridge naturalist, stands out for his kindness and genuine interest in guests and their experiences, and was noted for his genuine southern hospitality.
• Marco Gaspar, chef de partie at The Lobster Trap: Gaspar has been indispensable to the restaurant's excellence and success, serving for 18 years.
• Maura Juarez, housekeeper with Virtelle Hospitality at the Holiday Inn Express Asheville Outlets: her housekeeping services over 16 years have been consistently inspiring to both team members and guests, including delighting families with towels crafted in the shape of elephants.
• Marsha Furness, assistant manager for Talloni, A Shoe Salon: Marsha has a long career in retail, developing relationships with customers who return year after year, and was recognized for her care and love for the people she serves.
• Ralford McIntosh, banquet server at The Omni Grove Park Inn: McIntosh was honored for his decade-long career at The Omni Grove Park Inn, including heroic action in saving the life of a dining guest who was choking.

Heroes of Hospitality Award Nomination Criteria

Eligible for nomination are non-managerial or non-supervisory service employees or volunteers of a visitor-facing business or organization. Visitor-facing organizations include attractions, accommodations, arts and cultural institutions, food and beverage, retail, entertainment and nightlife. Nominated employees should have direct contact with or provide direct support to visitors and customers, and they must be an outstanding ambassador of Asheville and throughout Buncombe County.

Managers and supervisors are not eligible for this award.  

2025 nomination cycle has closed

PLEASE CONTACT MCKENZIE PROVOST WITH QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS AT [email protected] or 828-398-0217