From hostess to hospitality icon: Katie Zamarra honored with URA VIP award in Salt Lake City

PARK CITY, Utah — Katie Zamarra, co-founder of Galen Hospitality Group, received the Utah Restaurant Association’s Heart of the Industry VIP award Tuesday for four decades of leadership and service to Utah’s restaurant industry.

“Katie’s dedication and advocacy, whether its PR or marketing or running food from the kitchen, seating tables, showing up early, staying late, Katie makes sure she has a smile on her face and that the people around her feel cared for and supported,” awards-night emcee Nicea Gering of ABC4 told the audience. “Katie is always someone who is there to help and Katie, from all of us your kindness and impact is so deeply felt and appreciated.”

The Heart of the Industry distinction recognizes outstanding and lasting contributions to the development and growth of Utah’s restaurant industry by a successful operator. Zamarra, who began her career as a hostess and later built a reputation in public relations and marketing, now leads Galen Hospitality alongside her husband, James Beard Award-winning chef Galen Zamarra.

“Being honored with the URA Heart of the Industry VIP award is incredibly special to me—and honestly came as quite a surprise,” said Katie Zamarra, ” Zamarra said. “After 40 years in this business, from hostessing to writing press releases, I’ve learned it’s not just about the meals we serve, but our team we serve them with. I’m grateful to be part of a community where jumping in wherever needed is simply second nature. This recognition is shared with every Le Depot Brasserie and Union Patisserie teammate and guest who makes this work feel like home.”

The award follows a whirlwind winter in which the Zamarras opened two French-inspired concepts on Main Street: Le Depot Brasserie, which began service Feb. 8, and neighboring Union Patisserie, which opened Feb. 12.