Visit Cook County celebrates hospitality employees with free coffee and award nominations open
Sep 05, 2025 10:06AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 15, 2025
As we approach the end of August, Visit Cook County is once again hosting Heart of Hospitality week to honor those who work in the local service industry.
From September 7-12, 2025, hospitality workers in Cook County are invited to enjoy a free cup of coffee or beverage as a gesture of appreciation. The offer is available to front and back-of-house staff from hospitality-based industries such as dining, retail, lodging, and activities. Eligible employees include servers, bartenders, housekeepers, receptionists, cooks, clerks, guides, and managers.
Three local coffee shops are participating in the event, including:
Java Moose in Grand Marais (hours: Tues-Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Closed Monday)
Loons Nest on the Gunflint Trail (hours: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily)
Coho Cafe in Tofte (hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily)
This event is part of the larger Heart of Hospitality awards program, which was launched by Visit Cook County in 2019 to celebrate employees in the Cook County hospitality industry. The program recognizes individuals who provide outstanding service, enhance the visitor experience, and build guest loyalty. Business owners and managers are encouraged to nominate employees who demonstrate these qualities. An award is given to one employee from each of the four tourism districts: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, and Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder.
The deadline for 2025 nominations for the Heart of Hospitality awards is October 1, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Annual Fall Gala on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino.
For more information and to cast your vote, visit the Visit Cook County Heart of Hospitality page.
In addition to the Heart of Hospitality awards, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce will also present its annual business awards at the Fall Gala. The Chamber Business Awards honor businesses and business leaders who have made noteworthy contributions to the community and local economy.
Categories for the Chamber awards include Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Norman Deschampe Award. Nominations for the Chamber Business Awards are typically voted on by Chamber members. Learn more here.
