Tempe, Arizona is a community filled with people who exemplify the meaning of hospitality, kindness and simply taking care of each other.
The Tempe Tourism Office is excited to recognize these members of our community as Tempe Hospitality Champions. These individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond to rise to the challenges that the past year has brought the tourism industry. Learn more about how each of these people rose to the occasion to help one another as well as their ways of giving back to the community in our video series.
Check out our award winners and the stories that made them Tempe’s Hospitality Champions:
Julian Wright from Pedal Haus
This video focuses on the charitable efforts by Julian Wright and his team at Pedal Haus Brewery. Pedal Haus, an award-winning Tempe-based brewery, donated more to charitable causes than ever in 2020. In 2020 and during the beginning of 2021, the brewery has provided more than $21,000 to a variety of organizations including the East Valley NAACP, AZK9, the Arizona Craft Brewers Foundation and the family of Bobby Kramer – to name a few.
Jennifer Worthley-Gasca from Canopy by Hilton Downtown Tempe
Jennifer Worthley-Gasca from Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown took on the role as a Lead Sales and Marketing Enthusiast and had to experience opening a new hotel in the middle of the pandemic. Learn how she has created new partnerships within the local community as well as participating in philanthropic efforts.
Robin Trick and Jamie Matthews with House of tricks
House of Tricks co-owner, Robin Trick and manager, Jamie Matthews, were nominated for their deep personal commitments and tireless efforts for the community throughout the pandemic. From hosting food banks for employees, donating food to local charities, to sharing their knowledge with other Arizona restaurateurs, House of Tricks exemplifies what it means to have the spirit of hospitality.
NOTE: The House of Tricks owners retired and the restaurant closed its doors on June 25, 2022.
Amanda May from Cartel Roasting Co.
Amanda May is a Culinary Manager at Cartel Roasting Co. in Tempe, Arizona. She oversees all recipe development, pricing, costing, and hiring in their Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson locations, with a focus on how she could make most items vegan and gluten-free for everyone to enjoy. Watch the video to learn about how she and her team developed a “COVID playbook” and how they started the Give Back Blend to donate a portion of the proceeds to local non-profits.
Tim Vasquez from Someburros
Someburros has always been a generous member of the community, but during the pandemic, Tim Vasquez, CEO of Someburros, wanted to pay it forward for having been shown such great support from the community that they gave away 5,000 free meals at Tempe Diablo Stadium to whoever needs it. Watch the full video to learn more about the amazing work they have done for their employees and community.
Mike and Chrissy Lopercio from RigaTony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
Mike Lopercio, co-owner and co-founder of RigaTony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant, along with Chrissy Lopercio, proactively transformed their restaurant into a take-out facility during the pandemic. Since then, they have implemented and invested in various tools to keep their staff and customers as safe as possible, while enjoying authentic Italian meals. Over the past 12 years, they have always been community-oriented donating to local centers such as Paz De Cristo Outreach Center and Tempe Community Action. Despite 2020’s struggles, they never failed to give back.
