Restauranteurs gather for their own

T hey’re the ones who start businesses and then show up for work every day to make sure the rest of us have a good time. So they know how to throw a party to celebrate their own.

The members of the Washington Restaurant Association, Spokane Chapter recently held their annual membership Awards Gala and Silent Auction at Mirabeau Park Hotel, in Spokane Valley.

Restaurant owners, staff, vendors and suppliers gathered to honor restaurants and supplier companies of the year.

Board officers, members and party goers included Andy “Swanee” Swanson, owner of Metro Cafe and 2008 board president, Frankie Dietz, manager of Anthony’s Restaurant, Makayla Hamilton of Soulful Soups and Tami Kennedy of supplier Bargreen-Ellingson.

The event was emceed by Harry Sladich, president and CEO of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The evening highlighted the ProStart workforce development program. ProStart is a two-year apprentice program which prepares students for careers in foodservice and hospitality careers.

The Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation was represented by Lyle Hildahl and Libby McDonald.

This year’s Student of the Year award was given to Rogers High School student Amanda Wanrow.