2025 Award Finalists
The votes are in! We’re proud to announce the Top 3 Finalists for the 2025 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards presented by American Bank. These finalists represent the best of Corpus Christi’s tourism and hospitality industry: leaders, innovators, and partners who make our community a premier destination.
Business Award Categories
Culinary Experience of the Year
Finalists: Bellino Ristorante, Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum, Odi’s Pizzeria
The “Culinary Experience of the Year” award honors a restaurant, food truck or culinary team that showcases the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that define Corpus Christi’s vibrant food scene. This award recognizes those who went above and beyond to craft a memorable dining experience, whether through innovative menus, exceptional service, or unique storytelling through cuisine.
Event of the Year
Finalists: Barefoot Mardi Gras, Corpus Christi 7 Day Film Project, First Friday ArtWalk
The “Event of the Year” award honors a local event—large or small—that creates an exceptional attendee experience and helps showcase Corpus Christi as a culturally rich and welcoming destination. This award recognizes excellence in planning, community engagement, and overall impact—bringing people together and highlighting the spirit and culture of the Gulf Coast Capital.
Attraction of the Year
Finalists: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Hilliard Center (Formerly American Bank Center), USS Lexington Museum
The “Attraction of the Year” award celebrates a standout attraction that helps make Corpus Christi truly unforgettable. This award honors a brick-and-mortar attraction—such as a museum, entertainment venue, cultural site, or family-friendly activity—that goes above and beyond to engage guests, provide outstanding service, and create meaningful experiences. The recipient plays a key role in welcoming both locals and visitors, reflecting the spirit, culture, and vibrancy of the Gulf Coast Capital.
Signature Experience of the Year
Finalists: Gulf Coast Mokes, Rose Soiree, STEM Day by the Bay at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
The “Signature Experience of the Year” award honors a unique tour, pop-up activity, or micro-experience that left a lasting impression on both visitors and locals. This award celebrates an experience that went above and beyond through compelling storytelling, warm hospitality, and meaningful community engagement. The recipient helps showcase what makes Corpus Christi special by offering creative, memorable, and authentic moments that highlight the Gulf Coast Capital’s culture and charm.
Bar of the Year
Finalists: Caller & Critic, Old Kress Live, Rockit’s Whiskey Bar
The “Bar of the Year” award recognizes a bar, lounge, or cocktail concept that excels in service, atmosphere, and beverage innovation. This award honors an establishment that went above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable experience for both locals and visitors. The recipient consistently delivers high-quality drinks, exceptional hospitality, and a sense of place that reflects the energy, creativity, and spirit of the Gulf Coast Capital.
Individual Award Categories
Destination Salesperson of the Year
Finalists: John Garcia - Comfort Suites near Texas A&M-CC, Sammie Ramon - OVG 360 Hilliard Center, Sarah Frakes - Lively Beach Resort
The “Destination Salesperson of the Year” award honors a sales professional who has shown exceptional success in promoting Corpus Christi as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sports, or leisure group travel. By partnering with the Visit Corpus Christi Sales Team to help secure business, this individual consistently goes above and beyond to foster relationships, generate leads, and drive meaningful economic impact through tourism. Their strategic mindset, collaborative spirit, and passion for the Gulf Coast Capital make them an invaluable ambassador for the destination.
Service Professional of the Year
Finalists: Anna Vargas - Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, Arielle Del Bosque - Holiday Inn Downtown Marina, Sergio Espinosa - Mansion Royal
The “Service Professional of the Year” award honors an outstanding individual in a guest-facing or event service role who exemplifies excellence, professionalism, and hospitality. Whether working the front desk at a hotel, serving in a restaurant, assisting at a guest relations desk, or supporting on-site at events, this person consistently goes above and beyond to create exceptional experiences and ensure visitor satisfaction. Their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to service make them a standout in the Gulf Coast Capital’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Housekeeper of the Year
Finalists: Alma Soyos - Texas State Aquarium, Breanna Borrego - Lively Beach Resort, Valerie Gonzalez - USS Lexington Museum
The “Housekeeper of the Year” award honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in one of the most essential roles in the tourism industry. This award recognizes a housekeeping professional who goes above and beyond their duties—whether in hotels, event venues, or other visitor-focused locations—consistently delivering exceptional service and cleanliness. Their work plays a key role in exceeding guest expectations and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Mixologist of the Year
Finalists: Donnie Stephens - Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, Laura Rivera - House of Rock, Thomas J. Salazar - Republic of Texas
The “Mixologist of the Year” award honors a skilled bar professional whose creativity, hospitality, and expertise have elevated the beverage experience in Corpus Christi. This award recognizes an individual—whether crafting signature cocktails, pouring with care, or creating a welcoming atmosphere—who consistently delivers quality, connection, and community. Their dedication helps set new standards of excellence in the Gulf Coast Capital’s bar and hospitality scene.
Chef of the Year
Finalists: Meesha Graham - Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum, Michael Smith - Ruby Ladle, Phoebe Trotter - Bellino Ristorante
The “Chef of the Year” award honors a talented culinary artist whose creativity, skill, and innovation have delighted diners and elevated the culinary experience in Corpus Christi. This award recognizes an individual who showcases exceptional expertise and a passion for pushing culinary boundaries that set new standards for excellence in the local food scene.
Tourism Advocate of the Year
Finalists: Jeff Elledge - OVG 360 Hilliard Center, Steve Banta - USS Lexington Museum, Zack Jurasek - Glow Row
The “Tourism Advocate of the Year” award recognizes an individual who passionately supports and promotes tourism—Corpus Christi’s second-largest industry. This person goes above and beyond to raise awareness, build community partnerships, and strengthen the local tourism industry, making a meaningful impact on both visitors and residents.
Rising Tourism Star
Finalists: Albert “Aza” Lara - Glow Row, Johnathan Martinez - Glow Row, Lacey Guzman - Corpus Christi International Airport
The “Rising Tourism Star” award honors an emerging professional with less than five years of experience who is already making a meaningful impact in our hospitality and tourism industry. This individual exemplifies the passion, professionalism, and strategic thinking that define the next generation of industry leaders. Through creativity, innovation, and a commitment to community, the recipient stands out as a well-rounded, driven team player with the potential to shape the future of tourism in the Gulf Coast Capital and beyond.
Sports Partner of the Year
Finalists: George Manias - Corpus Christi Ice Rays, Jessica Furdock - Conquer the Coast, Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo - Corpus Christi FC
The “Sports Partner of the Year” award recognizes an individual—such as an event organizer, venue team member, or tournament director—who has made a meaningful impact on sports tourism in Corpus Christi. This award honors someone who goes above and beyond to attract, host, advocate for, and support sporting events in the Gulf Coast Capital. The recipient demonstrates excellence in hospitality, strategic thinking, community engagement, and contributing to regional growth—helping position Corpus Christi as a premier destination for athletes, fans, and sports enthusiasts.
Film Partner of the Year
Finalists: Christine Longoria - Independent Actor and Writer, Heidi Hovda - Corpus Christi 7 Day Film Project, Jimmy Willden - Local Filmmaker
The “Film Partner of the Year” award honors an individual—whether a filmmaker, director, actor, production crew member, location partner, or community supporter—who has played a key role in advancing Corpus Christi’s presence in the film and media industry. This award recognizes someone who goes above and beyond in showcasing the region through visual storytelling, collaboration, and professionalism. The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting film projects that capture the beauty, versatility, and character of the Gulf Coast Capital, helping to grow its reputation as a film-friendly destination.
Music Partner of the Year
Finalists: Alexis Puga - DJ Ero Soul - The Kickback Events CC, Freddie Martinez - Freddie Records, Paul Bissell - Director of Sound Recording Technology - Del Mar College
The “Music Partner of the Year” award honors an individual—whether a musician, venue team member, or behind-the-scenes contributor—who has made a meaningful impact on Corpus Christi’s music scene. This person goes above and beyond to create innovative live music experiences that engage audiences, uplift local talent, and build community. Their passion and creativity help strengthen the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and reflect the energy and diversity of the Gulf Coast Capital.
