Media contactKristin Horton, MCHA Executive Director [email protected] or 831-594-1502 Celebrating the Heart of Hospitality: 36th Annual MCHA Recognition Lunch Honors Industry Excellence MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 — The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) once again brought the community together to celebrate the people who make local hospitality shine. The 36th Annual Hospitality Recognition Lunch, held November 12 […]

MCHA members can enjoy a 10% discount with Varnel Services when booking On-Site Trainings. Visit https://www.varnelservices.com/safety-trainings to book now. Reference MCHA when booking.

HR Society: A networking community designed for HR professionals at all career stages. Mention MCHA to receive 10% off guest pass or membership packages. To register, please visit their website: envisioninitiative.com. 

Annual Awards Gala | March 1, 2024 — Monterey Marriott (Monterey, CA) – Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will honor the Hospitality Professional of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, March 1st at their Annual Awards Gala at the Monterey Marriott. This year’s honorees, Inns-by-the-Sea’s Mark T. Watson and Pebble Beach Company’s William […]

Introducing the Wayfinding Destination Education Series, See Monterey’s new training and education program, designed to connect and support the local hospitality industry. Just as wayfinding helps to guide people along a path, this series is designed to help guide our local industry members through trainings and workshops to update and educate on best practices and new […]

On March 1, accomplished chefs from several local businesses will take center stage at the Monterey Marriott. Together, they’ll create a multi-course meal highlighting Monterey County ingredients. The collaboration headlines A Night of Gold, an awards gala and fundraiser presented by the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA). While the annual event raises funds for advocacy, […]

What Employers Need to Know — New obligations under SB 476 require employers to pay their staff for all costs associated with obtaining a food handler card (FHC). Understanding How to Comply with CA's New Food Handler Card Law

The hospitality industry offers unexpected opportunities at every turn. Just ask Chef Bert Cutino, who earned 30 cents an hour washing dishes as a teenager.  “I didn’t know, at the time, if I would go into the culinary profession. I just knew that someday I wanted to own something,” he says. That job set Cutino […]

Through Monterey County Hospitality Association’s (MCHA) communication tool and outreach, local hospitality students at Monterey Peninsula College(MPC) and the Sustainable Hospitality Management program at California State University, Monterey Bay(CSUMB) were awarded over $25,000 in scholarships by the California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation (CHLAHF). The CHLAHF combines the efforts of The Hotel & Restaurant […]

Enroll today — Develop the knowledge and skills needed for entry level cook and pastry careers in just a few months with an accelerated program that culminates in earning two college level certificates from MPC.

New Era Points Toward Ongoing Progress July, 18, 2023 (Monterey, Calif.) —In a historic move to ensure the long-term future of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, home to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors today approved a new, long term concession agreement with the local non-profit Friends of Laguna Seca. First District […]

Restaurants Care is a nonprofit fund that provides direct relief grants to food and beverage workers in California. Grants cover basic needs like groceries and rent while people recover from illness, injury, natural disaster, death in the family, and more.  Restaurants Care provides up to $2,500 directly to F+B workers experiencing illness, injury, natural disaster, […]

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!

We are taking a portion of our auction virtual this year, please enjoy this special sneak peek.  Mark your calendar — bidding is live March 24th! Click here to register in advance.  Lot #1Pasadera Dine, Play Stay!Exclusive Package for 8   Enjoy a luxurious getaway at The Club at Pasadera. This magnificent package includes a private three-course dinner, wine pairing, private rooms at the […]

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.

The November 2022 ballot measure would provide supplemental funding for the county’s child care system through a $49 per year parcel tax.   "The Safe, Affordable, Quality Child Care Act is a much needed and long overdue initiative to begin the process of addressing the severe need for child care in Monterey County. The hospitality industry faces […]

MCHA to Honor the 2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Chris Shake, CEO, Shake Enterprises and present a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring Pierre Bain, Owner, Fandango Restaurant