Hospitality Tennessee honored its 2022 industry all-stars at the annual “Stars of the Industry” awards luncheon, held Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Nashville Zoo.
There were 26 awards given, and Sevier County brought home 14.
The Hotelier of the Year and Tourism Professional of the Year Awards are the pinnacle of recognition in Tennessee hospitality and tourism, and this year’s winner of both were from Sevier County. Winners of these prestigious awards have dedicated their careers to the success of the field and have made fundamental contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry in Tennessee.
Each year’s nominees and winners are hand-selected by a distinguished panel of previous winners and are chosen for their shining character, demonstrated work ethic, leadership ability, and inspiring vision.
The “Stars of the Industry Awards” are presented to individuals, companies, and industry partners whose commitment to hospitality and tourism has improved the overall industry statewide and has allowed the industry to ‘wow’ guests on a daily basis. This year’s winners epitomize the true spirit of hospitality that makes Tennessee a great place to live and visit.
The local winners include:
2022 Hotelier of the Year
Jackelyn Schafer, The Park Vista, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Gatlinburg
Tourism Professional of the Year
Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
HospitalityTN Attraction of the Year
Community Service Award — Lodging Property
The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Park Vista Cares
Community Service Award — Tourism Property
Country Tonite Theatre, Pigeon Forge
Special Event Award — Lodging Property
Mountain Laurel Chalets, Hometown Heroes
HospitalityTN Destination Marketing Organization of the Year
Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lodging Manager of the Year — Large Property
Johnny Whitlock, The Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Chef of the Year — Chain Property
Ian Scruggs, Puckett’s, Pigeon Forge
Restaurant Employee of the Year, Independent Property
Harlin Ramos, Quaker Steak & Lube, Sevierville
Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Independent Property
John Seffernick, Chesapeake’s, Gatlinburg
Restaurant Manager of the Year, Independent Property
Christy Bentley, FlapJacks Pancake Cabin, Sevierville
Tourism Employee of the Year, Large Organization
Heather Romines, Dolly Parton’s Stampede
HTN Young Professional Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
Josh Norris, Smoky Mountain Overnight Rentals
