Local restaurateur Haile Duncan receives Iowa Restaurant Association award

DES MOINES — The Iowa Restaurant Association has named local restaurant owner Haile Duncan as the winner of the Emerging Leader industry award for 2022.

The owner of La Casita Breakfast Cafe, Mamacita Taco Pub and Mas Margaritas in Cedar Rapids was one of 14 winners named for 13 awards. Duncan was the only Corridor winner in this year’s round of industry awards. Her award comes after she went from a single restaurant owner to a restaurateur in a matter of a few months with the openings of La Casita and Mamacita Taco Pub.

All winners be honored at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s annual state hospitality awards banquet on Nov. 14 in Des Moines.

“One of the most rewarding parts of being in the hospitality industry is helping our patrons celebrate life’s biggest moments. These awards and gala are one of the rare occasions when Iowa’s hospitality industry pauses for a moment to recognize, appreciate and celebrate some of our own,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the association.

“From the state’s longest operating restaurants, to innovators in sustainable practices, this year’s honorees exemplify perseverance, professionalism in hospitality, creativity in serving their customers and an unsurpassed commitment to their communities.”

Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com