Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director Michael La Pier refers to air service development as a team sport. That’s why he reached out to the county’s hospitality industry after joining the airport team in 2016. “We engaged them to help us bring in new airlines and larger aircraft," says La Pier, a current Monterey County Hospitality […]
Post Ranch Inn Houseman Juan Morales might not always cross paths with the guests he serves, but he plays a central role in their Big Sur experiences. The 24-year property veteran works hard behind the scenes, taking note of people’s likes, dislikes and dietary needs so he can stock in-room minibars to their tastes. Each […]
Local legendary businesses recognize decades of hospitality By Lisa Crawford Watson Much of what makes the Monterey Peninsula and its coastal communities to the south so dynamic, is the pairing of land and sea with the history of what has happened here. For 200 years, the restless waters have ferried scores of stalwart folks to […]
By Teri Owens Early next year, low-income veterans and their families will move into the 70-unit Lightfighter Village complex on the former Fort Ord. As Veterans Transition Center (VTC) teams prepare to open the new apartments, they have been collecting furniture, housewares and other items to help residents feel at home. Community Reuse Network founder […]
The 2024 awards spotlight excellence in guest service, safety, longevity and teamwork MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 6, 2024 – Nearly 600 people celebrated local hospitality employees and their community impact at the 35th annual MCHA Hospitality Recognition Lunch. Nine standout professionals received special awards during the November 6 event, which was hosted by the Monterey County […]
The Coalition of Monterey Peninsula Businesses has released the following Policy Statement on lifting the Monterey Peninsula’s Cease and Desist Order and Related Construction Moratoria imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board in 1995. As a member of the Coalition, MCHA supports the Statement and continues to work towards a long-term water solution that […]
Hospitality is a community-wide effort Back in the day, San Francisco’s burgeoning hub of drinking and dining warranted the establishment of a restaurant association to foster growth and support collaboration. Los Angles had one, as well. But Monterey County, the hospitality hub in the middle, was without the same governance, until some 20 or 30 […]
Any industry employing more than 25,000 people is positioned to make an impact, but that’s especially true of hospitality. As Monterey County’s second-largest industry, tourism generated $307 million in local and state taxes in 2022. Still, the hospitality’s real influence extends beyond revenues. Area hotels, restaurants, wineries, attractions and retailers give time and money to […]
Richard Yarnold has enough stories to fill a book. In fact, he’s filled six. The 73-year-old Fishwife bartender is circulating his seventh personal guest book, expanding a collection of sketches, poems and heartfelt stories penned by his Pacific Grove customers. He started the tradition while working at Monterey’s Chart House, creating a simple record of […]
An event at the Monterey Conference Center on Wednesday lived up to its theme by providing two “magical moments” for one of the day’s award winners. Richard Yarnold of the Fishwife Restaurant in Pacific Grove, won the coveted “Papa Vince Award” in addition to the “Focus on Guest Experience Award” at the Monterey County Hospitality […]
Any industry employing more than 25,000 people is positioned to make an impact, but that’s especially true of hospitality. As Monterey County’s second-largest industry, tourism generated $307 million in local and state taxes in 2022. Still, the hospitality’s real influence extends beyond revenues. Area hotels, restaurants, wineries, attractions and retailers give time and money to […]
Rick Aldinger, Big Sur River Inn (2024)Gill Campbell, AERO Marketing Group (2025)Chris Chidlaw, Chidlaw Marketing (2025)Ken Donkersloot, Coastal Roots Hospitality (2024)Kevin Ellis, Hyatt Regency Monterey (2024)Fady Hanna, Hotel Pacific (2025)Chris Hermen, Portola Hotel & Spa (2025)Marc Kelley, Private Public Strategic Solutions (2024)Michael La Pier, Monterey Regional Airport (2025)Stefan Lorch, Monterey Marriott Hotel (2024)David Lurie, Carmel […]
As part of a busy Carmel restaurant family, Gian Antonio Pepe is no stranger to greeting guests, bussing tables or working in kitchens. “I basically grew up at Carmel Bakery and Little Napoli. From a pretty early age, when my parents didn't know what to do with me, they had me helping customers in the […]
Hardworking hospitality professionals will enjoy a well-deserved celebration on June 14, when Employee Appreciation Day events return after a three-year pandemic pause. The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) hosts this annual gathering that features food, fun and friendly competitions for cooks, dishwashers, hotel housekeepers, retail clerks, and other guest-facing tourism professionals and their families. About […]
Leading employers guide local Rancho Cielo, high school and college culinary students to explore careers in hospitality. More than twenty leading hospitality employers welcomed Rancho Cielo and local area students on May 16 for Monterey County Hospitality Association’s (MCHA) Hospitality Career Fair at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. The Career Fair marked the culmination […]
