Visit Tuscaloosa Awards Hospitality Professionals At Annual Tourism Bash

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Visit Tuscaloosa recently hosted its annual Tourism Bash, honoring standout members of the area’s hospitality industry and unveiling the 2025 Hospitality Champions of the Year.

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The celebration highlighted excellence in service, leadership, and community impact across local hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses.

The event featured live music from local artist Sadie McLayne and introduced two new honors — Bartender of the Year and an Industry Achievement Award — recognizing exceptional contributions to Tuscaloosa’s tourism economy.

Award recipients were chosen by a peer committee of previous winners from nominations submitted across the community.

“Tourism is one of the most people-powered industries there is — and tonight we celebrated the faces and first names who make visitors feel like family,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Our Hospitality Champions set the standard for service, leadership, and heart. It’s also a privilege to recognize Toby Wilson’s lifetime of impact — proof that consistency and care can shape an entire community.”

2025 Hospitality Champions of the Year

Hotel General Manager of the Year: Ryan Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Northport – Mansa Hospitality. A 16-year industry veteran, Hall was recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to elevating guest experiences and community partnerships.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year: Lauren Jones, River Tuscaloosa Jones, a Tuscaloosa native and managing partner, was honored for her guest-focused leadership style and engagement with local initiatives.

Hotel Sales Professional of the Year: Annette Smallwood, Hotel Capstone. Smallwood earned recognition for her service-driven approach, measurable business results, and collaborative leadership.

Chef of the Year: Chef Clayton Pepple, Forte / Roll Call at The Alamite. Pepple was honored for his innovation in menu design, team culture, and commitment to local sourcing that has strengthened The Alamite’s culinary reputation.

Bartender of the Year: Terrence Hughes, Session Cocktails. Hughes was recognized for his creativity, signature cocktails, and ability to build a welcoming bar culture through mentorship and hospitality.

Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers:

• Erin Barfield, Chuck’s/Five — for her dedication to Tuscaloosa’s arts and festival scene through exceptional service.
• Terry Heverly, The Alamite — for his leadership and guest relations expertise that enhance the visitor experience.
• Seth Wright, Druid City Brewing Company — for fostering a welcoming taproom culture and supporting community outreach.

Industry Achievement Award

For the first time, Visit Tuscaloosa presented an Industry Achievement Award to Toby Wilson of Wilson Hospitality for more than 25 years of service on Visit Tuscaloosa’s Board of Directors and decades of investment in the people, properties, and partnerships that have defined the region’s hospitality industry.

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