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 […]
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our 2023 Annual Awards Gala and Auction. We are incredibly grateful to our members, sponsors and community for making the evening such a success. We look forward to next year!
More than 21,600 people work in Monterey County's hospitality industry, creating unforgettable experiences for the guests who make a $2.5 billion annual economic impact. And each year, the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) honors one outstanding industry member as its Hospitality Professional of the Year. For four decades, the honor has recognized ongoing service and […]
Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will honor the Hospitality Professional of the Year on Friday, March 31st at their Annual Awards Gala at Portola Hotel & Spa. This year’s honoree, Chef Bert Cutino, CMC, Cofounder/C.O.O. of The Sardine Factory Restaurant will be recognized for his on-going service and commitment to the local hospitality industry.
Kris Markus launched Illusions of Grandeur, her Monterey Peninsula event design and custom rental business, 38 years ago. She’s employed several team members for 15 years or more, and one has been with the company for nearly three decades. In addition to a overseeing a full-time staff of 10, Markus engages a network of part-time […]
