New honors include Bartender of the Year and a special Industry Achievement Award
TUSCALOOSA, AL – Visit Tuscaloosa’s annual Tourism Bash, presented by Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola, celebrated people of the area’s hospitality industry, unveiling the 2025 Hospitality Champions of the Year. The evening featured live music by local artist Sadie McLayne and introduced two new distinctions: Bartender of the Year and a special Industry Achievement Award.
Selected by a peer committee of previous years’ winners from nominations across the community, this year’s honorees reflect the craft, consistency and heart that define the TuscaLife experience.
2025 Hospitality Champions of the Year
Hotel General Manager of the Year: Ryan Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Northport – Mansa Hospitality
A 16-year industry leader known for mentoring teams, elevating guest satisfaction, and championing community partnerships.
Restaurant General Manager of the Year: Lauren Jones, River Tuscaloosa
A homegrown hospitality pro and managing partner who builds warm, guest-first experiences and inspires teams through hands-on leadership and community engagement.
Hotel Sales Professional of the Year: Annette Smallwood, Hotel Capstone
A service-driven sales leader recognized for measurable results, creative business development, and servant-leadership that lifts her team and clients.
Chef of the Year: Chef Clayton Pepple, Forte / Roll Call at The Alamite
An innovative culinary leader whose menu engineering, team culture, and local sourcing have transformed outlets into guest-loved, financially strong operations.
Bartender of the Year (new in 2025): Terrence Hughes, Session Cocktails
A creative mixologist and culture-builder celebrated for memorable guest connections, menu-defining cocktails, and leadership behind the bar.
Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers:
Erin Barfield, Chuck’s/Five — A steadfast community connector supporting arts, festivals, and downtown vibrancy with world-class service.
Terry Heverly, The Alamite — A guest relations cornerstone whose leadership, warmth, and attention to detail make stays truly memorable.
Seth Wright, Druid City Brewing Company — The heartbeat of a welcoming taproom culture, known for service, mentorship, and meaningful community outreach.
For the first time, a local hospitality industry leader was recognized with an Industry Achievement Award.
Toby Wilson, Wilson Hospitality
Visit Tuscaloosa honored Toby Wilson for decades of leadership and service—including more than 25 years on Visit Tuscaloosa’s Board of Directors—and for investing in people, properties, and partnerships that strengthened the region’s hospitality workforce and guest experience.
“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 & 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.”
Honorees in the Hotel GM, Restaurant GM, Hotel Sales, Chef of the Year, and Bartender of the Year categories each receive a crystal award and registration to the 2026 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism, including a two-night hotel stay and a $100 gas card.
Videos announcing each selection are available here:
- Hotel GM: Ryan Hall – https://youtu.be/CjVZvhzCRh0
- Restaurant GM: Lauren Jones – https://youtu.be/pMSHlqH7HDs
- Hotel Sales: Annette Smallwood – https://youtu.be/RCojxWK9Ne4
- Chef of the Year: Clayton Pepple – https://youtu.be/N8bGHF_06EY
- Bartender of the Year: Terrence Hughes – https://youtu.be/4QaKnhNAIDQ
- Trailblazer: Erin Barfield – https://youtu.be/HWxtcgIUB1U
- Trailblazer: Terry Heverly – https://youtu.be/C3XTqWj-bBE
- Trailblazer: Seth Wright – https://youtu.be/mrfqKifAXJU
- Lifetime of Service Tribute: Toby Wilson – https://youtu.be/yPNhc8DYdRU
As Tuscaloosa’s destination organization, Visit Tuscaloosa’s vision is to excel in illustrating the Tuscaloosa area as the South’s premier college town, celebrated for its storied legacy and hospitality. The organization is a community asset that stimulates economic growth and fosters resident pride through tourism and promotion efforts that inspire people to discover Tuscaloosa County. Visit Tuscaloosa’s efforts generate revenue for the community and consistently enhance the area’s public image as a dynamic place to live, work, play and visit.
