Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame inductees have been recognized for their leadership of their businesses, their service to their association and their commitment to the future of hospitality in Minnesota. 

The following have been honored by the associations that make up the Hospitality Minnesota Association -- the Minnesota Lodging Association, the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association and the Minnesota Restaurant Association.

 Lodging Hall of Fame Honorees

• Kirk Schultz  |  Madison Hospitality Group (2020)
• John Synstegaard  |  Grand Stay Hospitality (2018)
• Howard Anderson  |  ZMC Hotels (2017)
• Mark Dunn  |  Treasure Island Resort & Casino (2016)
• Sunny Bhakta (2015)
• Bonnie Carlson  |  Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau (2014)
• Bill Foussard  |  Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn (2013)
• Mitch Peterson  |  Torgerson Properties (2012)
• Jon Kennedy  |  GrandStay Hospitality (2011)
• William Morrissey  |  Morrissey Hospitality Companies, Inc. (2010)
• Doug Anderson  |  DDD Motel Corporation, Mankato (2009)
• Denny Breamer  |  Minnesota Lodging Association, Minnesota Association of Innkeepers, Hospitality Minnesota (2008)
• Tom Chase  |  Minneapolis Marriott City Center (2007)
• John Holland  |  Best Western Holland House & Suites (2007)
• Kirby Payne  |  HVS/American Hospitality Management Company (2007)
• Candice Sweeney  |  American Express Co. (2007)
• Henry Fisher  |  The Registry Hotel (2006)
• Al Brodie  |  Minnesota Motel Association & Minnesota Association of Campground Operators (2006)
• Harvey Hollenback  |  Kahler Corporation (2005)
• Earl Jorgenson  |  Kahler Corporation (2005)
• John Kahler  |  Kahler Corporation (2005)
• Pat Murray  |  Murray’s Restaurant (2005)
• Reuben Palm  |  Palm Brothers/Strategic Equipment & Supply Corp. (2005)

Resort and Campground Hall of Fame Honorees

• Jim Benson  |  Grand View Lodge (2019)
• Mark Ronnei  |  Grand View Lodge (2018)
• Bob & Harriet Williams  |  Fun Ta Boot Resort (2017)
• Richard & Ruthann Holetz  |  Camperville (2016)
• Wally & Sue Heise  |  South Isle Family Campground (2016)
• The Kavanaugh Family  |  Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort (2015)
• Bob Spizzo  |  Breezy Point Resort (2014)
• Bruce & Sue Kerfoot  |  Gunflint Lodge (2013)
• Mark Ludlow  |  Ludlow’s Island Resort (2011)
• Don Kottke  |  Don & Mayva’s Crow Wing Lake Campground (2010)
• Bill Peters  |  Peters’ Sunset Beach Resort (2009)
• Fred Boos  |  Grand View Lodge (2008)
• Nancy Schwieters  |  Boyd Lodge (2007)
• Jan Gladson  |  Whispering Waters Resort (2006)
• The Leagjeld Family  |  Driftwood Resort (2005)
• The Kaldahl Family  |  Fair Hills Resort (2005)

Resort and Campground Pioneer Award Honorees*

• Jack Bugbee  |  Bug Bee Hive Resort (2004)
• Jack Ruttger  |  Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort (2001)
• Cal Kiesler  |  Kiesler’s Campground (2000)
• Dutch & Irma Cragun  |  Cragun’s Resort (1999)
• Vera Kinder  |  Forestview Lodge (1998)
• John Arnold  |  Madden’s On Gull Lake (1996)
• Eleanore Gmeinder  |  Gull Lake Resort (1995)
• Goldie Pohlman  |  Nelson’s Resort (1993)
• Justine Kerfoot  |  Gunflint Lodge (1991)
• Jim Madden  |  Madden’s On Gull Lake (1989)

* The Pioneer Award became the Hall of Fame Award in 2005.

Restaurant and Foodservice Hall of Fame Honorees

• Tim Murray  |  Murray’s (2020)
• Barb Hunn  |  Keys Café and Bakery (2018)
• Wayne Kostroski | Cuisine Concepts (2018)
• Sue Zelickson (2017)
• Dino & Vona Adamidis  |  Dino's Gyros (2016)
• David Cossetta  |  Cossetta Alimentari (2016)
• John Schumacher  |  Schumacher's New Prague Hotel (2015)
• Jim Jennings  |  JJ's, Jennings Liquors, Scoreboard (2015)
• Tom Frederick, Sr.  |  Happy Chef (2014)
• R. Steven Watson (2014)
• Ken Schelper  |  Davanni's, Inc. (2013)
• Peg Rasmussen  |  Peg’s Countryside Café (2012)
• Tony Nicklow  |  Shorewood/Nicklow’s/Santorini (2011)
• Glenn Gulsivg  |  McGarvey/Superior Coffee (2010)
• Jimmy Theros  |  Rudolphs Bar-B-Que (2010)
• Gordy & Kathy Jarvis  |  Afton House Inn (2009)
• Charles Pappas  |  Michael’s Restaurant (2008)
• Bob Casper  |  Casper’s Cherokee Sirloin Room (2007)
• Peter Mihajlov  |  Parasole Restaurants (2007)
• Louis Tinucci  |  Tinucci’s (2007)
• Sam Ciresi, Sr.  |  Q Coffee Shop (2006)
• Bill Naegele  |  Restaurants No Limit (2006)
• David Fong  |  David Fong’s (2005)
• Sal Frederick  |  Happy Chef (2005)
• Bill Kozlak  |  Jax Café (2005)
• Jack Kozlak  |  Kozlak’s Royal Oak (2005)
• Henry Kristal  |  Ember’s America (2005)
• Nick Mancini  |  Mancini’s Char House (2005) 
• Pat Murray  |  Murray’s Restaurant (2005)
• Reuben Palm  |  Palm Brothers/Strategic Equipment & Supply Corp. (2005)

Check out the "Of the Year" Awards