The Iowa Restaurant Association has named its 2024 class of 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality honorees.

The association chose the 40 from nominations from across the state. They will be recognized at an awards ceremony Nov. 18 as part of the Iowa Hospitality Showcase, according to a news release.

“What is most striking about this year’s list is the number of women from rural Iowa who were selected for the final list,” Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, said in a prepared statement. “Many are leading the way in transforming and saving rural Iowa Main Streets.”

Des Moines-area honorees are:

• Abbey Maas, the Stuffed Olive
• Andrea McGinness, Wine Styles
• Annie Baldwin, Dark Side of the Spoon
• Arletta McCoy, Lady Jerk’s Catering
• Cat Wood, Hyper Energy Bar
• Clara Chaplin, Bolton & Hay
• Danielle Cobley, Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster
• JonnAnn Benedict, Destination Grille
• Katie Wiklund, Fresko
• Kelly Crosby, Gateway Market
• Noreen Otto, Iowa Brewers Guild
• Rheanne Kinney, Wakonda Club
• Sherry Ziegler Waner, Des Lux Hotel
• Chef Thi Truong, Vibes Kitchen & Bar
• Ximena Rojas, Blue Bean Coffee and Work Space.

To view the full list of honorees, visit restaurantiowa.com.