McKenna received an MBE for services to hospitality and tourism while Koo received an MBE for services to the hospitality industry.
Designer and Coal Office co-owner Tom Dixon received a CBE for services to design
CH&Co Group CEO William Toner received an MBE for services to the hospitality sector while Master Chefs of Great Britain chair George Alexander Sutherland McIvor received an MBE for services to the catering and tourism industry as well as his charity work.
McKenna – who operates James Street South and the more recently launched Waterman House restaurants in Belfast – said in a statement that he was ‘proud’ of the role he had played in his home city’s restaurant scene.
“Belfast has changed so much over the years, and I’m proud to have played a part in that. Belfast’s world-famous hospitality has put our city on the map. We now have a restaurant and food scene here to rival the best on a national and international stage.
“This honour is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many, who share our desire to bring Belfast on, and make this a city we can be proud to call home. But the most important thing to me is that we’ve stayed true to what we believe in - good food, good people, and hard work.”