05/08/2026
To another one of our very own, Congratulations Whitney!
Thank you for your outstanding service ๐๐ ๐ฎ
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐
๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ
The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is honored to announce Whitney Hodgin of El Charro Mexican Restaurant as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Frontline Employee of the Year Award. Whitney was surprised with the award on Friday, May 8, while working her shift at El Charro.
Whitney received numerous nominations praising her exceptional customer service, welcoming personality, and attentive care for every guest she serves. Visitors described her as upbeat, personable, and someone who โmakes you feel welcome the moment you walk in the door.โ Several nominations highlighted her ability to anticipate guestsโ needs, create memorable dining experiences, and represent the friendly hospitality that keeps visitors returning to Dodge City. One visitor shared, โWe came all the way from Denver to eat at El Charro and Whitney made the experience!โ
In recognition of her outstanding hospitality, Whitney received a commemorative plaque and Dodge City merchandise, along with a prize package that includes a $100 United Wireless Arena ticket voucher, a $100 Rattlesnake Grill Co. gift certificate, additional gifts from community partners and the grand prize of $500 courtesy of Boot Hill Casino & Resort Trail fund.
During National Travel and Tourism Week, the CVB spotlights the frontline workers who shape visitor experiences in Dodge City. Now in its fifth year, the Outstanding Frontline Employee of the Year Award invites tourists and residents alike to recognize those who go above and beyond to make Dodge City worth the trip.
โOur frontline hospitality employees donโt just provide service; they create connections, memorable experiences, and form the welcoming atmosphere people associate with Dodge City,โ said Megan Welsh, director of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. โWhitney embodies that spirit through her positivity, attentiveness, and genuine care for every guest who walks through the door. Itโs people like Whitney, and so many other hardworking hospitality professionals across our community, who truly make Dodge City worth the trip.โ
Through the Trail Fund, Boot Hill Casino & Resort is proud to support initiatives that strengthen tourism, community pride, and visitor experience in our region,โ said Jessi Rabe, Principal Director of Communications and Experience. โEmployees like Whitney are often the first and most lasting impression visitors have of Dodge City. Her positivity, attentiveness, and dedication to exceptional service represent the very best of our community.โ
Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week, powered by the U.S. Travel Association, celebrates travel's essential role in driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.
