Top professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industries were honored at the “Stars of the Industry” awards at Twin River Casino on November 29, 2017. Exactly 906 industry professionals, a historic high, attended the ceremony hosted annually by the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and RI Hospitality Education Foundation. The event began with a cocktail reception and charitable gaming tables. An opening performance featuring Fountain Street Creative kicked off the awards dinner. RIHA CEO and President Dale Venturini and Craig Sculos, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Twin River Casino, welcomed guests and the 2018 Board was recognized. Season 10’s “The Voice” Finalist Joe Maye performed for guests in between the 25 award categories. Hospitality professionals were nominated by the public and elected officials of the RIHA board. A complete list of award categories and recipients can be found at www.rihospitality.org.
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- The opening act performance by Fountain Street Creative featured Dale Venturini, President/CEO of RI Hospitality Association; Craig Sculos, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Twin River Casino; and David C. DePetrillo, Chairman, RI Hospitality Education Board.
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- Vendor of the Year: Packaging & More.
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- Restaurateur of the Year: Richard Mignanelli, Richard’s Pub & Restaurant and Ritrovo Pub & Grille.
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- Farm to Fork Excellence in Sustainability: Thomas Duffy, The Spiced Pear at Chanler at the Cliff Walk; Benjamin Lloyd, The Salted Slate; Christopher Kattawar and Taylor Krickl, Cook & Dagger.
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- RI Hospitality Association’s Chairman Award: Lynne A. Urbani, Director, House Policy Office, Rhode Island House of Representatives.
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- Tourism Employees of the Year: David Brown and Frank Martucci, Twin River Casino.
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- President’s Award: Bob Luz, President/CEO, Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
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- Hospitality Ambassador of the Year: John C. Gregory, Northern RI Chamber of Commerce.
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- Hospitality Ambassador of the Year: Lara Salamano, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
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- Bartender of the Year: Samantha Williams, Angelo’s Palace Pizza.
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- Bartender of the Year: Sean Corcoran, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
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- Bartender of the Year: Kerri Berard-Leroux, Kay’s Restaurant.
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- Bartender of the Year: Anthony Guaetta, Lighthouse Bar.
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- Vendor Representative of the Year: Benjamin Greene, Ecolab.
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- Vendor Representative of the Year: Ron Bernier, Rhode Island Distributing Company.
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- Vendor Representative of the Year: David Muller, Sysco Boston.
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- Chef of the Year: Walter Slater, Trio.
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- Chef of the Year: Richard Silvia, The White Horse Tavern.
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- Mary Brennan Tourism Award: Experience Rhode Island Tours.
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- Media Partnership of the Year: Gail Ciampa, Food Editor, The Providence Journal.
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- Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter Letendre.
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- Hotelier of the Year: Walter Andrews, Newport Marriott.
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- Man of the Year: Thomas Regan, Christopher & Regan Insurance Company.
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- Woman of the Year: Ruth Ferrazzano, Murphy’s.
Photos by Richard Kizirian Photography.
