Each nominee for the Newcomer Award of Distinction must be a tourism-related business or attraction that opened between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2025 and located in Dutchess County. While newly opened, these nominees are already making quite an impression on our visitors and community.
Join Destination Dutchess in celebrating all the honorees at the 13th annual Tourism Awards of Distinction on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park.
Read on to learn more about each Newcomer Award of Distinction finalist:
• Deb Lifshey, Owner, Fika & Hygge: A Scandinavian Coffee and Confections Shop, Poughkeepsie
• John and Paul Stefanopoulos, Owners, House of Stefas, Millbrook
• Jessica Gonzalez, General Manager, The Wild Kitchen + Bar
Tell us about your organization/business and what makes it unique.
• Deb Lifshey, Owner, Fika & Hygge: Fika & Hygge is a Scandinavian candy and coffee shop in Poughkeepsie built around the idea that life is better when you slow down long enough to enjoy it. We combine a traditional Scandinavian pick-and-mix candy experience with specialty coffee, Nordic-inspired drinks and pastries, household and pantry items imported from all five of the Scandinavian countries, and a bright, playful space designed to make people want to stay awhile. What makes us different is that we’re not simply importing Scandinavian products - we’re trying to share some of the culture behind them, particularly fika, the Swedish ritual of pausing for coffee and connection, and hygge, the Danish idea of warmth, comfort, and contentment. At its heart, Fika & Hygge is about creating a little moment of joy and community in the middle of everyday life.
• John and Paul Stefanopoulos, Owners, House of Stefas: It is a high end Greek restaurant that is grounded in family, tradition, honoring the bounty of Dutchess county and the passion of hospitality. It’s unique in its very idea, its execution, and how it’s a cosmopolitan restaurant that is world class, deep in its concept, and in a one traffic light town in Main Street America. It is a challenge in itself to create such a place, such as concept, and successfully integrate in a town that is very different from this concept, yet the passion for hospitality and care for the community and creating the spectacular for our community is one of the most unique and wonderful combinations you can have.
• Jessica Gonzalez, General Manager, The Wild Kitchen + Bar: During the day, we offer a fast-casual bowl menu alongside a full bar and unique matcha and hojicha drinks. At night, we transition to a casual fine-dining Wafu concept all led by Executive Chef Angelyne Schofield.
In direct partnership with our farm in Titusville, we provide a farm-to-table dining experience fusing Japanese and French culinary techniques. Both our food and beverage programs emphasize sustainability and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our beverage menu features balanced cocktails inspired by our dual concepts, sustainable wines, thoughtful non-alcoholic options, and an extensive regional cider program. Additionally, we offer a 100% gluten-free kitchen and restaurant, which we share with Kitchen & Coffee. Everything is made in-house using the highest quality ingredients.
How did the idea of your business come about?
• Deb Lifshey, Owner, Fika & Hygge: The idea really grew out of two parts of my life that eventually collided. I grew up in the Hudson Valley, but spent years studying, living, and working in Scandinavia, where I fell in love with the everyday rituals surrounding coffee, candy, design, and simply taking time to connect with people. Years later, when one of my children began college at Vassar, I rediscovered the Hudson Valley and began to appreciate the community and creativity here in a completely different way. Fika & Hygge became my slightly unhinged midlife plot twist -a way to bring something I loved about Scandinavia back to the place where my own story began.
• John and Paul Stefanopoulos, Owners, House of Stefas: The idea came from the desire to please and to do something extraordinary. The transactional, copy cat, simple plug and play model did not excite us - it didnt inspire us. We wanted to build the best there was, and be the best we can be, in what we do - and so we went to work, and 3 years later, overcoming setbacks and challenges, our vision came to life. We purposefully dint make this easy for ourselves. We really wanted to struggle and challenge ourselves in creating something very unique, that didnt exist, so that our guests could feel something they haven’t. Only then could we think different in order to attempt to do something great for our hometown.
• Jessica Gonzalez, General Manager, The Wild Kitchen + Bar: Our owner, Tom Lee, and his business partner, Ben Giardullo, initially sought to expand the building that houses Kitchen & Coffee. They developed the building and adjacent vacant lot for community-focused businesses, including a public space featuring sculptures by local artist Emil Alzamora. While The Wild was originally envisioned as a simple expansion, it evolved into a larger concept when Chef Schofield and I took over leadership. Chef Schofield created a menu tailored to this unique space, while I assisted with design, built the front-of-house team, and established our bar program.
What has been the most fulfilling thing since opening?
• Deb Lifshey, Owner, Fika & Hygge: The most fulfilling part has been watching the shop become something that belongs to the community rather than simply something I created. People come in for candy or coffee, but then they stay, bring friends, meet someone, study, celebrate something, or make us part of their routine - and that is exactly what I hoped fika could be here. I especially love seeing completely different generations light up in the same space: a college student discovering Swedish candy for the first time, a child standing in front of the candy wall, or someone telling us our café has become their regular place to meet a friend. Seeing this slightly crazy idea turn into a genuine gathering place has been far more rewarding than selling any curated imported goods (although I remain very supportive of people buying lots of candy!)
• John and Paul Stefanopoulos, Owners, House of Stefas: Being able to create a unique experience that people living in Dutchess County can enjoy instead of having to travel to New York City, or even Greece. Seeing how our staff and community has been able to understand what we are doing has been the greatest achievement on our end. Filling the needs of the community and being able to bring something special that didnt exist to Dutchess County and have it be something people really are appreciating, loving and enjoying. In our world here, immortality was the force behind the inspiration. Leaving memorable experiences for people they could never forget, and so food and atmosphere became our canvas!
• Jessica Gonzalez, General Manager, The Wild Kitchen + Bar: The response from our local community and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests continually sharing how much they appreciate our delicious food and knowledgeable, kind hospitality. While many guests enjoy their meal without realizing we are 100% gluten free, it is especially rewarding to provide a safe, inclusive dining space for guests with dietary restrictions and allergies.
