The Iowa Restaurant Association has announced its 2024 list of 40 Women to Watch in the restaurant and hospitality industry across the state. According to the association’s website, the list if recognizes the “creativity, leadership and contributions of women across all hospitality industry sectors.”
This year, four women from the Corridor were nominated for the list:
Alesia Lewis: Longhorn Steakhouse, Coralville
Alesia Lewis’ nominator said that as managing partner for LongHorn Steakhouse she has “increased every metric of success.” She has also mentored and encouraged other women, promoting two up and coming stars into management. Ms. Lewis said that hospitality is a fulfilling career that fills her desire to help others and provide exceptional service. “Hospitality can teach you a lot about yourself and how to set boundaries without sacrificing service,” Ms. Lewis said.
Amelia Keller: Barrett’s Quality Eats, Iowa City
Amelia Keller is the events and catering coordinator for Barrett’s Quality Eats, one of the Iowa City area’s most popular new restaurants. She credits her early success in part to being raised in the restaurant industry, which she says, “instilled the value of community building through food and service.” Ms. Keller is also a full-time student in the University of Iowa’s prestigious writing program. Those in orbit marvel at her ability to balance her demanding career with her academic pursuits, her nominator noting, “Amelia’s success-driven mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence have raised the bar for Iowa hospitality.”
Jade Luter: Daisy’s Garage, Cedar Rapids
For Jade Luter, owner of Daisy’s Garage in Cedar Rapids and Marion, Cruz’s Cafe, and another establishment on the way, hospitality is more than just business — it’s a way of life. A single mom of four, she grew up in the industry working for her family – starting at age 14 busing tables, then moved to host, bartender, assistant manager, general manager and now multilocation owner.
Kasi Tenborg Carroll: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids
Kasi Tenborg Carroll, director of food and beverage at the Kirkwood Hotel, the state’s largest full-service teaching hotel, recalls “playing restaurant” with her grandfather as a young girl. Perhaps that is what sparked the interest for Ms.Tenborg Carroll who has held nearly every title in the industry including GM, restaurant and beverage manager, sous chef, bar manager, bartender, server, line cook, and dishwasher. “It has always been an act I have enjoyed, even on the hard days, sometimes more on the hard days,” she said. “I love the sense of pride that comes from serving people and creating experiences for guests.”
