Lime Caffeteria owner Judi Hepburn said her cafe had won once and been finalists three times. She said she thought Lime Caffeteria stood out because it was different.
Store manager of Rotorua Burger Fuel Ryan Petch said he had always wanted to be involved with the awards, but in previous years had not felt there was a category which suited the business. Burger Fuel was named a finalist in the Outstanding Takeout category.
He said as the awards had grown, they had become more inclusive.
"I personally feel it's important to celebrate and congratulate the industry in a tourist town like Rotorua."
Mr Petch said he when he heard Burger Fuel was a finalist he was "really proud and thankful that our hard work has been appreciated by others".
Rotorua branch president of the Restaurant Association of NZ Sharon Wallace congratulated the finalists.
"The awards are about honouring the region's hospitality industry for their outstanding commitment to this exciting and vibrant business.
"Being chosen as outstanding and being recognised as being the best in the industry is something to be proud of.
"We are excited to hold the awards in Rotorua for the fifth year.
"They were created to further enhance local and visitor experience in the Rotorua hospitality industry and it's great to see not only the industry but Rotorua locals getting in behind them."
The theme for the awards night on Sunday, July 17, is 'Masquerade with a Matariki Twist'.
2016 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists:
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Barista
-Ashleigh Heard - Picnic Cafe
-Mereana Jessie Gray - Market Kitchen
-Rachael Atkinson - Library Cafe
Bidvest Outstanding Cafe
-Lime Caffeteria
-Picnic Cafe
-Third Place Cafe
Independent Liquor Outstanding Bartender
-Alex Ciuccariello - Regent of Rotorua
-Alok Sharma - Stratosfare Restaurant
-Herbert Mitchell - Pig n Whistle
-Raj (LK) Shunmgaraj - Mezze Bar
Jasco Distributing Outstanding Bar
-Brew Craft Beer Pub
-Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
-The Lava Bar
Rotorua Daily Post Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
-Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
-Leonardos Pure Italian
-Sabroso Restaurant
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep
-Donna Bloore - Jasco Distributing
-Nick Patel - Fenton Quality Produce
-William Nicholls - Bidvest
Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Caterer
-Eurest
-The Blue Baths
-The Catering Company
Restaurant Association of NZ Emerging Business
-Atticus Finch
-Che Chorizo
-Sobar
Tohu Wines Front of House Star
-Aroha Butler McLeod - Leonardos Pure Italian
-Ashwin Poojari - Rydges Rotorua
-Roxxane Pari - Stratosfare Restaurant
Inghams Outstanding Hotel Restaurant
-Atlas Restaurant
-Chapmans Restaurant & Bar
-Regent of Rotorua
The Hits 97.5 Outstanding Takeout
-Burger Fuel
-Devon Seafoods
-Imperfetto Pizzeria
-Oppies Fish & Chips
Service IQ Emerging Chef
-Dariana Kelly - Capers Epicurean
-Keegan Watson-Hopgood - Rydges Rotorua
-Zac Donald - Stratosfare Restaurant
Menumate Outstanding Chef
-Bruce Thomason - Bistro 1284
-Dean Lindebaum - Leonardos Pure Italian
-Shakthi Muthusamy - Stratosfare Restaurant
OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant
-Bistro 1284
-CBK - Craft Beer Kitchen
-Urbano Bistro
