About Our Awards

Over the years we have prided ourselves in presenting award-winning owned and operated restaurants, hotels and commercial developments that continue to exceed expectations, time and time again. It is to our hard-working teams that each and every one of these awards are dedicated to.

2022

Hilton’s GM of the Year – Chris Scheel, Hilton Garden Inn, Sun Prairie
Hilton’s Top 5% – Hilton Garden Inn, Sun Prairie
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – The Rewind Hotel, West Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – The Axis Hotel, Moline (Top 10% of hotels worldwide)
Gold Award for Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Des Moines’ People’s Choice Awards – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Silver Award for Hotel Guest’s Stay, Wedding Choice Awards – The AC Hotel, Des Moines
Silver Award for Best Buffet, Des Moines’ People’s Choice Awards – The Machine Shed, Urbandale
Silver Award for Best Hotel, Des Moines’ People’s Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Silver Award for Best Staycation, Des Moines’ People’s Choice Awards – The Revel Hotel, Urbandale
Silver Award for Best Steakhouse, Des Moines’ People’s Choice Awards – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Bronze Award for Hotel Guest’s Stay, Wedding Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Bronze Award for Hotel Venue, Wedding Choice Awards- Hotel Renovo, Urbandale

2021

Bronze Award for Best Hotel Wedding Venue, Wedding Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Family Award Winner, Hotels.com – Wildwood lodge, Clive
Best Party Room Award, Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Omaha
Best in class Hotel Lodging Award, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – The Axis Hotel, Moline (Top 10% of hotels worldwide)

2020

Traveler Review Award, Booking.com – Wildwood Lodge, Clive
Award Winner, Hotels.com – Wildwood Lodge, Clive
Best in Class To Host a Meeting Award, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Best in Class Winner Hotel/Lodging, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale

2019

Best in Class Winner Hotel/Lodging, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce – Revel Hotel, Urbandale
Gold Award for Best Hotel Wedding Venue, Wedding Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Silver Award for Guests Hotel Overnight Stay, Wedding Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Best Tiramisu, Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, West Des Moines
IHG Quality Excellence Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport
IHG Rewards Club Excellence Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport

2018

Gold Award for Best Hotel Wedding Venue, Wedding Choice Awards – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Best in Class Winner Hotel/Lodging, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce- – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Thunder Bay Grille, Rockford
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Embassy Suites, Olathe
Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator – Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Best Hospitality Architecture Firm, BUILD Magazine – Heart of America Group Architects
Best Iowa Boutique Hotel Design: Hotel Renovo, BUILD Magazine – Heart of America Group Architects
IHG GM of the Year – Felicia Gonzales, Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport

2017

Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Clive
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Thunder Bay Grille, Rockford
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Fairfield Inn & Suites, Des Moines, Iowa
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Holiday Inn & Suites, E. Peoria
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, E. Peoria
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Embassy Suites, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Loved by Guests Award, Hotels.com – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator – Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator – The J Bar, Olathe
IHG Quality Excellence Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, East Peoria
IHG Quality Excellence Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport

2016

IHG Quality Excellence Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Pewaukee
IHG Newcomer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport
IHG Torchbearer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, E. Peoria
Global Award, shortlist, Luxury Travel Guide – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Best in Class Award finalist – Hotel Renovo
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hilton Garden Inn, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – DoubleTree, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Clive
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Thunder Bay Grille, Rockford
Certificate of Excellence, Trip Advisor – Fairfield Inn & Suites, Des Moines, Iowa
Guest Review Award, Booking.com – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Only 4-Star Hotel in Des Moines, Expedia – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale
Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator – Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator – The J Bar, Olathe

2015

#1 People’s Choice Rockford Bacon Fest -Thunder Bay Grille, Rockford
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Best in Class Award – Hotel Renovo
IHG Newcomer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, E. Peoria, IL
IHG New Development Design Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport
Deal of the Year Award – Embassy Suites, Olathe
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence – Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hilton Garden Inn, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – DoubleTree, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hotel Renovo, Urbandale

2014

IHG Newcomer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Lake Elmo
IHG New Development Design Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Peoria
Best Family Restaurant – Machine Shed, Lake Elmo
People’s Choice, Taste of Elegance – Machine Shed, Wisconsin
FSR Magazine’s Best Beverage Program, Honorable Mention – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Business of the Year, Des Moines Chamber of Commerce– The Doubletree/Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Top 12 Reasons ‘Why Iowa Rules’, Washington Post – Iowa Machine Shed
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, W. Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Pewaukee
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hilton Garden Inn, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – DoubleTree, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Clive

2013

IHG Remodel Award – Holiday Inn Express, Olathe
IHG Torchbearer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, W. Des Moines
Best Place to Go for Dessert Award, Reader’s Choice – Machine Shed, Lake Elmo
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, W. Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Hilton Garden Inn, Olathe
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – DoubleTree, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Clive

2012

IHG Newcomer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, Pewaukee
IHG Torchbearer Award – Holiday Inn & Suites, W. Des Moines
Business of the Year Award, East and South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce– The Doubletree/Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – DoubleTree, Des Moines
Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor – Wildwood Lodge, Clive

2011

Cornerstone Humanitarian Award, The National Restaurant Association & American Express – Mike Whalen
Best of the Quad Cities, Fine Dining, River Cities Reader – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline
Best of the Quad Cities, Best Business Lunch – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline

2010

Choice Hotel Gold Hospitality Award – Comfort Suites, Pewaukee (top 9% in the country)

2009

Restauranteur of the Year, Iowa Hospitality Association – Mike Whalen
Des Moines Best Breakfast, Cinnamon Roll – Machine Shed
Best of the Quad Cities, Best Steaks/Steakhouse, River Cities Reader – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline
Best American Entrée (Steak de Burgo), Taste of Madison – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline

2008

Best Breakfast in America, Travel Channel – Machine Shed
Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Wisconsin Beef Backer Award, Wisconsin Beef Council – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Middleton
Wisconsin Beef Backer Award, Wisconsin Beef Council – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines

2007

Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson, Des Moines Airport
Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson, Pewaukee
Choice Hotel Gold Hospitality Award – EconoLodge Inn & Suites, Davenport
Best Family Restaurant, Cityview – Machine Shed, Des Moines
Iowa Beef Backer Award – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Middleton
Iowa Beef Backer Award – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Best Fine Dining Award, Peoria Journal Stars, Readers’ Choice Awards – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Best of the Quad Cities, Fine Dining, River Cities Reader – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline
Best of the Quad Cities, Best Local Chef, River Cities Reader – Machine Shed, Davenport (Bryan Tyler)

2006

Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Best of Madison Bronze Award for Best New Restaurant, Madison Magazine – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Middleton

2005

Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Des Moines
Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Top 50 Multi-Concept Growth Companies, Nation’s Restaurant News – Heart of America Group
T.O.M. Award, National Turkey Federation – Machine Shed
Best Fine Dining Award, Peoria Journal Stars, Readers’ Choice Awards – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

2004

Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Best of the Quad Cities, Family Dining – Machine Shed, Davenport
Best of the Quad Cities, Most Hospitable Restaurant, River Cities Reader – Machine Shed, Davenport
Best of the Quad Cities, Place to Buy Unique Gifts, River Cities Reader – Machine Shed, Davenport
Best of the Quad Cities, Fine Dining Atmosphere, River Cities Reader – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Moline
Best of the Quad Cities, Sunday Brunch, River Cities Reader – Thunder Bay Grille, Davenport

2003

Radisson’s Presidents Award – Radisson/Thunder Bay Grille, Pewaukee
Best in the Midwest Newcomer Award, Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Peoria

1998

Restauranteur of the Year, Iowa Hospitality Association – Mike Whalen
Choice Hotel Gold Hospitality Award – Comfort Suites, Pewaukee

1996

Restauranteur of the Year, Iowa Hospitality Association – Mike Whalen
Best Pork Restaurant in America from the National Pork Producers – Iowa Machine Shed
Choice Hotel Gold Hospitality Award – Comfort Suites, Urbandale
5-time recipient of Choice Hotel Gold Hospitality Award – Comfort Inn, Davenport

1994

Golden Egg Award, American Egg Board – The Machine Shed, Davenport

1993

Iowa Entrepreneurial Success Award from Governor Terry Branstad – Mike Whalen
Beef Backer Award, Iowa Beef Industry Council – The Machine Shed, Davenport

1992

Taste of Elegance – The Machine Shed, Davenport

1991

Entrepreneur of the Year, Inc. Magazine and Ernst & Young – Mike Whalen

1986

Iowa Pork Restaurant of the Year, Iowa Pork Producers – The Machine Shed, Davenport

1985

Golden Butter Knife, Scout County Dairy Association – The Machine Shed, Davenport

1980

Golden Butter Knife, Scout County Dairy Association – The Machine Shed, Davenport