We believe it is more important than ever to celebrate the people and businesses creating good work in Austin’s 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 will officially open on July 1 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.

THANK YOU TO OUR BUILDING GOOD WORK TOGETHER 2026 SPONSORS

INTERESTED IN A BUILDING GOOD WORK TOGETHER SPONSORSHIP?