Latvian Hospitality Star 2025 title won by Juris Semjonovs!

Title of this year’s Latvian Hospitality Star was decided during the second ever hospitality competition of the food industry trade fair Riga Food. Contestants were required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a number of hospitality disciplines, while jury members were enjoying some top-level service.

Juris Semjonovs from “Pavāru māja Līgatnē/Chefs’ Home Līgatne” restaurant came out on top of the competition and won the title of Latvian Hospitality Star of 2025. Winner also received a unique prize – apprenticeship at the Michelin star restaurant that would help elevate professional skills to even higher level.

Runner-up was Mārtiņš Bērziņš from the Allora Riga Italian restaurant, whereas the third place was won by Lauris Rauza from “Fabrikas restorāns”.

“You offer a perfect combination between fine dining and your own interpretation of guest service, a blend of traditional standards and new trends. Gentlemen, hospitality bar has, indeed, risen thanks to you,” Inese Vīcupa, Manager of Whitehouse Restaurant, hospitality expert and competition judge said during the award ceremony.

During the competition, which took place at Ķīpsala Expo Centre, hospitality skills of contestants were evaluated by Ieva Treija, Managing Director of Gemoss, Jānis Jenzis, President of the Latvian Restaurant Association, Mārtiņš Kukojs, Prike Latvija and SkillsLatvia expert, Agita Kausa, restaurant owner and hospitality expert, and Artis Melbārdis, Service Manager, Whitehouse, winner of the last year’s Latvian Hospitality Star 2024 title.

Judges scrupulously analysed all details, from service culture and process management to creativity and level of hospitality. Judges treated their tasks very seriously and gave all competitors respect they deserved.

The aim of the Latvian Hospitality Star competition is to highlight the best hospitality professionals and thus raise the overall quality of services.

Latvian Hospitality Star competition of Riga Food trade fair is organised by Gemoss.

Photos: Ieva Makare, Sergejs Skripa