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 […]

Letter to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) in support of the Monterey County Regional Transportation Vulnerability Assessment.

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 […]

Letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding restoration of the DSA funding.

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, […]

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 […]

For more than two decades, Franco Vásquez has made career moves that might surprise his teenage self. He’d considered working in digital design, but a high school dishwashing job led to bussing and serving opportunities. Those roles sparked a management interest. Vásquez steadily climbed the ranks, diversifying with restaurant and housekeeping leadership positions before landing […]

Letter to Tom Newton in support of a new Specialized Secondary Program in Culinary Arts.

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!

Letter to California State Senate and Assembly regarding Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) Funding.

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

The MCHA Government Affairs Committee goals have been updated to reflect relevant current issues and needs of our industry, including: water, workforce housing, childcare and ongoing relationships with MCCVB and local officials/organizations. Click below for an overview of how MCHA will advocate to support the industry throughout 2023.

Congratulations to our 2022 Volunteer of the Year and HOSPY Award Winner:Marc Kelley, Private Public Strategic Solutions Pictured above with 2022 Board Chair Mark Watson and 2021 HOSPY Winner Kaitlin Ford.