Pinnacle Awards

The Pinnacle Awards offers recognition to those in the foodservice and hospitality industry with an annual Gala Luncheon celebrating their accomplishments.

The awards program was launched in 1988 when Foodservice and Hospitality magazine presented its first Man of the Year Award to George Cohon, president of McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada. Several years later in 1996 Kostuch Publications (the parent company of F&H magazine added three new awards in the categories of Independent Restaurateur; Entrepreneur and Supplier of the Year, at the same time, launching a corresponding set of awards for its sister publication Hotelier magazine in the categories of Company of the Year; Newsmaker of the Year; Hotelier of the Year; Supplier of the Year and Educator of the Year.

In many ways The Pinnacle Awards have become the Academy Awards of the dynamic $90-billion foodservice and hospitality industry. Each year, Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazine solicit nominations from the industries, and then adds its own list of nominations to the field. After much scrutiny and deliberation, a judging panel, chosen from the magazines’ own Editorial Advisory Boards selects the winners.

Since introducing its first industry award in 1988, Foodservice and Hospitality has honoured a diverse group of industry leaders for their continued success and achievement, each representing the full spectrum of the industry – from upscale restaurants to quick-service chains. Winners have been distinguished for their contributions to the public image of the industry through civic, educational and community involvement, as well as their efforts in establishing innovative concepts in the area of foodservice or hotel management.

Curious about how Kostuch Media chooses our Pinnacle Award winners? Learn more about the criteria for winning an award below.

Learn more about how you can get nominated and win a Pinnacle Award by checking out our award criteria below for picking our winners below. We’re committed to diversity and inclusivity and proudly accept everyone regardless of national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other legally protected status. However, please note that winning companies must have Canadian-based headquarters.

Impact on the industry

Has the candidate (individual or company) made a significant impact on the industry? Has the candidate introduced management and operating techniques? Has the candidate introduced employee-training programs or HR programs that promote diversity and inclusion and worked diligently to expand career opportunities. Has the candidate participated in professional organizations that promote the industry in meaningful ways?

Significant Innovations and accomplishments

Has the company’s sales and profits increased dramatically over the last year? Has the company expanded significantly? Has the individual or company introduced new products and /or techniques over the course of the last year? Have there been any lasting contributions or recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the foodservice and hospitality industry? Has the company been responsible in moving the industry forward in a significant way?

Community spirit

Has the company contributed significantly to the community at large, through participation in civic, communities, charitable, educational and other affairs, which illustrate social responsibility?

2019 Pinnacle Awards Winners

Nominate a worthy candidate for a chance to win a Pinnacle Award.

If you know a deserving individual or company that is worthy of recognition, this is your opportunity to nominate them for a Pinnacle Award. It’s a simple process that will take only a few minutes of your time. Please ensure that you provide the necessary detail to help our judges determine whether your candidate has what it takes to be deemed a Pinnacle Award winner. Once you complete the form, press the submit button and ensure that the form is completed by the deadline date. A member of our KML team will confirm receipt of the nomination.

Interested in getting involved in The Pinnacle Awards event? Order your tickets or apply to sponsor the event by clicking one of the boxes below.

If you’re interested in attending The Pinnacle Awards as a guest then click the ticket section below to order your tickets. You can purchase individual tickets, or conversely a table for eight. Additionally, if your company is interested in sponsoring the event, please click the sponsor section below to learn more about the different sponsorship options.

Event Tickets

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Sponsorship Opportunities

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Interested in learning more about what makes a Pinnacle Award Winner? Click our series of videos on last year’s winners to find out more about who they are and what makes them a Pinnacle Award Winner.

Since 1988 Kostuch Media has been proudly promoting the industry’s brightest and best foodservice and hotel operators, suppliers and educators, in 11 different categories. Through more than three decades of celebrating excellence, we have highlighted hundreds of noteworthy individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions to the success of the foodservice and hospitality industry.

Recent Pinnacle Award Winners

2023 Company of the Year: Osmow’s Shawarma

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By Laura Pratt When Sam Osmow brought his family to Canada from Egypt in 1998, they arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, anxious to begin...

2023 Regional Company of the Year: Libretto Restaurant Group

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By Denise Deveau The opening of the first Pizzeria Libretto in Toronto in August 2008 garnered more attention than expected. “We got crushed with customers...

2023 Independent Restaurateur of the Year: Restaurant Pearl Morissette

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By Robin Roberts It was an idea born for a barn: Set your restaurant in the heart of an agricultural area, harvest the lovingly grown...

2023 Supplier of the Year: Maple Leaf Foods

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By Nicole Di Tomasso At Maple Leaf Foods, sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it’s a guiding principle. By setting audacious goals and...