The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association (MBAHA), in conjunction with the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA), recently hosted the 2025 Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Awards Ceremony at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel.
The ceremony celebrated the spirit of hospitality and honored outstanding individuals within the Myrtle Beach area’s hospitality industry, recognizing the industry’s vital role in the Grand Strand’s economy, providing jobs and contributing to local communities, the awards acknowledge exceptional professionalism and service.
The region’s hospitality workforce is the driving force, and truly the heartbeat, of Myrtle Beach’s tourism-based economy. These employees sustain the visitor experience every day, from front-line staff who shape first impressions to the behind-the-scenes teams who keep operations running smoothly. Their commitment not only elevates service standards but also fuels one of the Grand Strand’s most important economic engines, supporting local businesses, strengthening communities and reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination.
Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you to everyone who contributes to tourism and works within the hospitality industry.
2025 MBAHA Hospitality Award Recipients:
- Hospitality Partner of the Year: Stuart Butler, Visit Myrtle Beach
- Lodging Manager of the Year: Andy Wolfe, Grand Palms Resort
- Attraction/Amusement/Golf Manager of the Year: Sean Kelly, Dave & Busters
- Attraction/Amusement/Golf Front Line Employee of the Year: Scott Miller, Ripley’s Entertainment
- Lodging Heart of the House Employee of the Year: Christopher Vant, Paradise Resort
- Lodging Room Attendant of the Year: Brenda Cardona Barrios, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center
- Lodging Sales/Marketing/Catering Person of the Year: Dana Hrubik, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center
- Lodging Front Line Employee of the Year: Angela Livingston, Marriott’s Oceanwatch Villas at Grande Dunes
- Lodging Food and Beverage Manager of the Year: Jordan Vanderleest, Brittain Hotels & Resort – Tide To Table, Tides Beach Bar, Coastal Dish
- Bartender of the Year: Gabby Walsh, Crooked Hammock Brewery
- Restaurant Manager of the Year: Ben Herriott, Dagwood’s Deli & Sports Bar
- Chef of the Year: Brian Hayes, Brittain Resorts & Hotels
- Restaurant Heart of the House Employee of the Year: Samantha Burgio, Dagwood’s Deli & Sports Bar
- Restaurateur (Owner) of the Year: Nikko Genova, Genova’s Pizza of Myrtle Beach
- Restaurant Front Line Employee of the Year: George Clark, Amalfi
- Game Changer Award: Carlie Fletcher, Brittain Resorts & Hotels
- Hotelier of the Year: Mitchell Martin, Dayton House Resort
- Allied Supplier of the Year: The Seals
