The Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence gives restaurants, cafes and caterers well-deserved recognition for their hard work, exceptional food and outstanding service in this vibrant industry.

The awards are held in each state, recognising operators in metropolitan and regional centres. The R&CA awards are the only industry awards with an independent judging system with over 280 judges reporting to state Judge Chairs and a National Chief Judge.

Have your chance to win a top gong within your local state or territory and go up against the best across the country at the National awards in November.

Here are our top reasons why entering your establishment for the R&CA Awards is a good idea:

  • State-based awards giving both metro and regional venues a chance – entering the arena and trying to win an award allows you the opportunity to compare your business with others in not just the industry as a whole but businesses similar to yours in terms of location and category. 
  • Receive feedback – you will receive feedback from the judges on service, food, beverage, presentation and overall experience.
  • Marketing and PR – you can place your finalist and winners logo on everything.
  • Staff morale and motivation – celebrate with your employees.
  • Hospitality Awards – free nominations to celebrate your staff who are the heart of every business, including apprentice chef of the year, manager/supervisor of the year and front of house employee of the year! You can enter staff here.
  • Increase credibility – winning an award (or even being a finalist) offers social proof to prospective customers that your business can deliver everything it promises.
  • Networking Opportunities – the award ceremony is an opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with like-minded people.

The Awards for Excellence program provides the platform for your business to receive a prestigious R&CA plate rating. Held in high regard, the plate rating system is a national benchmark from within the industry. By being awarded your plate rating, you will demonstrate that your business provides quality products and services and will help you stand out as a credible, professional business that delivers excellent customer service and demonstrate your commitment to quality hospitality. Become a leader within the industry by receiving 5 plates, supported by the peak industry body. 

Recognise the contributions of your employees by nominating them into the Hospitality awards. There are a number of categories to choose from including Apprentice Chef, Chef, Manager/Supervisor and Front of House Employee.

There are also many other awards such as the Consumer Vote award, Healthy Kids Menu award in South Australia and Queensland and the Fast Casual Dining award.

R&CA look forward to celebrating with you all, in what is a testament to the hardworking and dedicated hospitality sector.

Please visit Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for more info and to enter now.