We believe it is more important than ever to celebrate the people and businesses creating good work in our hospitality community. Every day, there are leaders who are building healthier workplaces, supporting their teams, strengthening our local food scene, and showing what it means to care for one another in this industry.
At Building Good Work Together, we are proud to shine a light on the restaurants, hospitality groups, chefs, and emerging leaders who are helping shape a more sustainable, equitable, and people-centered future for hospitality.
This year, we will recognize leaders through four awards:
Executive Chef Leadership Award
Honors an executive chef who leads with integrity, mentorship, and care for both their team and the broader food community. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to creating healthy workplaces, supporting staff growth, and using food as a force for good.
Building Good Business Award
Celebrates a business owner that is setting the standard for people-centered hospitality. Nominees should prioritize employee well-being, invest in their employees, and model practices that strengthen a more equitable and sustainable local food scene.
Rising Leader Award
Recognizes an emerging leader in the hospitality industry (server, bartender, manager, sous chef, etc.) who is making a meaningful impact early in their career. Nominees should show initiative, passion, and a strong commitment to uplifting their coworkers, workplace, and community.
Industry Leadership Award
Honors a hospitality group that is helping shape a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable industry in Austin. Nominees should demonstrate leadership through workplace culture, employee support, community impact, and commitment to advancing good work across the hospitality ecosystem.
Nominations for 2026 are officially open and close on August 1, 2026. We invite community members, coworkers, and industry peers to submit a quick nomination form recognizing an individual or hospitality group making a meaningful impact in our community.
Together, we can celebrate the people helping Austin’s hospitality industry thrive through care, leadership, and good work.
FAQs
Who can submit a nomination?
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Anyone! Customers, coworkers, managers, business owners, employees, vendors, and community members are all welcome to submit nominations. Self nominations are encouraged.
Does the nominee have to be a Good Work Austin member?
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No. You do not have to be a Good Work Austin member to be nominated or to win. The awards recognize hospitality leaders across the community.
Can I nominate myself or my own business?
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Yes! Self-nominations are welcome.
Can I submit more than one nomination?
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Absolutely. There is no limit to the number of nominations you can submit. You may nominate multiple people or businesses, and you may submit nominations in multiple award categories.
Can the same person or business be nominated for multiple awards?
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Yes. If someone meets the criteria for more than one category, they may be nominated for multiple awards.
What types of people and businesses are eligible?
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Anyone working in or leading the food and beverage hospitality industry in Central Texas is eligible to be nominated, provided they meet the criteria for the award category. Eligible nominees include individuals such as chefs, restaurant owners, bartenders, servers, managers, hospitality professionals, and emerging leaders, as well as businesses and hospitality groups including restaurants, bars, cafés, bakeries, food trucks, caterers, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and other food and beverage establishments.
For the purposes of these awards, Central Texas includes the following counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson. Nominees do not need to live or work within Austin city limits to be eligible.
What makes a strong nomination?
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The strongest nominations include specific examples of how the nominee has positively impacted their team, workplace, or the broader hospitality community. Tell us what makes them exceptional.
How long does it take to complete a nomination?
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Most nominations can be completed in about 5–10 minutes.
How are winners selected?
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
When will winners be announced?
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Winners will be announced at the Building Good Work Together celebration on August 25, 2026.
Will nominees be notified?
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Yes. Finalists will be contacted by Good Work Austin with additional information before the awards ceremony.
Is there a cost to submit a nomination?
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No. Nominations are completely free.
Can I edit my nomination after I submit it?
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If you need to update your nomination after submitting, please contact Good Work Austin at info@goodworkaustin.org and we'll do our best to help.
I have another question. Who should I contact?
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Email info@goodworkaustin.org and we will be happy to help.
What do winners receive?
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Winners will be recognized at the Building Good Work Together awards celebration on August 25, 2026 and will receive:
A commemorative award to display in their place of business.
Recognition through Good Work Austin's marketing and communications, including promotion across our website, social media channels, newsletter, and other media opportunities.
The opportunity to be recognized as a leader helping build a stronger, healthier, and more people-centered hospitality industry in Central Texas.
THANK YOU TO OUR BUILDING GOOD WORK TOGETHER 2026 SPONSORS
