As part of its 2023 Hospitality Superstar Awards, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 14 bestowed 11 “Bob Klein Legendary Service” awards to those in the hospitality industry who have performed exceptionally over the long term.
The awards are named in honor of a former general manager of the Holiday Inn National Airport, who was instrumental in creating the Hospitality Superstar Awards.
Honorees for 2023 were:
• Gerald Gminder of the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport (42 years) has never called out of work or been late, and his positive attitude, patience and dependability set him apart as he deals with the high demands that come from large banquet events. “His kindness is unmatched, and his peers highly value him,” hotel officials said.
• Jember Gebrewahid of the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport (39 years) excelled first in the food-and-beverage department and, after 15 years, transferred to human resources, where she is a go-to payroll expert with tremendous attention to detail.
• Husniya Yusuf of the Crystal Gateway Marriott (34 years) is sought out by customers returning to the hotel restaurant, and is equally appreciated by her peers for her friendly and positive attitude.
• Jose Osorio of the Crystal Gateway Marriott (34 years) has the “can-do” attitude that represents the desire to go the extra mile for guests and co-workers, doubling his efforts during the pandemic to support operations.
• Senol Yeniceli of the Renaissance Arlington Capital View (31 years) is a leader on the banquets and event-operations team, always available to offer his expertise in training new workers and coming up with new buffet designs.
• Fernando Robelly of the Crystal Gateway Marriott (31 years) is described as taking immense pride in his work, supporting an environment of respect and fair treatment, and serving with patience and a smile in the human-resources department.
• Hugo Alonzo of the Silver Diner (28 years) assisted in the opening of the Clarendon location in 1996 and long has been the leader (and heart) of the restaurant’s operations in Arlington.
• Goran Gvozderac of the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Hotel (25 years) is known for treating all guests like VIPs, and working hard to make the experiences of children staying at the hotel memorable.
• Juan Flores of the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Hotel (25 years) is described as a true gentleman who works with teams across the hotel to solve problems and exceed expectations of customers.
• Emee Torrez of the Hyatt Centric Arlington (25 years) was honored as having a bright and shining personality, with a knack for remembering the names of hotel guests, their likes and dislikes, and even the tables they prefer.
• Walter De La Cruz Grispo of the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City (25 years) was lauded as a problem-solver who long has been a true asset to the hotel, even hopping on the Metro to Reagan National Airport to bring items to hotel guests who had left them behind.
