Celebrants flocked to Twin River Casino to see the best in the restaurant industry recognized at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) “Stars of the Industry” awards on November 28, 2018. A record 900 industry professionals were in attendance for the annual ceremony hosted by RIHA and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Craig Scoulos, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Twin River Casino, welcomed guests and the 2019 Board was recognized. New RIHA Chairman-elect Burnell Goldman presented a ceremonial gavel to Scoulos as the awards dinner for more than 100 winners began. Guests were awarded in 25 categories, including Restauranteur of the Year, Restaurant Chef of the Year and Bartender of the Year. 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 awards table adorned with the Man of the Year’s crown.
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- A record-breaking 900 guests feted more than 100 award winners at the 2018 RIHA Stars of the Industry.
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- A dance troupe opened the 2018 awards ceremony gala.
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- RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) President and CEO Dale Venturini welcomes guests.
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- 2019 RIHA Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman presents outgoing Chairman of the Board Craig Sculos with a large gavel to say thank you.
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- Colin Geoffroy of G Hospitality accepts his Chairman’s Award from 2018 Chairman of the Board Craig Sculos.
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- 2018 Man of the Year Al Zannella of Rhode Island Distributing gets high fives from his team.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman present Al Zannella of Mancini Beverage – Rhode Island Distributing with his award as 2018 Man of the Year.
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- Woman of the Year Trudy Coxe dances on stage with her team from the Newport Preservation Society.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman present Trudy Coxe of the Newport Preservation Society with her award as 2018 Woman of the Year.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman present James P. McCarvill of the RI Convention Center Authority with the 2018 President’s Award.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman present Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Tom Desmond of the Brick Alley Pub with his award.
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- Burnell Goldman presents Bartender of the Year Christina Mercardo of Grace Vanderbilt Hotel with her award.
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- Burnell Goldman presents Bartenders of the Year Nathan Renzi and David Laramee of Avvio Ristorante with their awards.
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- Bartender of the Year David Laramee of Avvio Ristorante shows off his martini-themed socks.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini presents 2019 Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman with Hotelier of the Year.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and Chairman of the Board Burnell Goldman present 2018 Pinnacle Award Winner John Elkhay of Chow Fun Food Group with his award.
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- Burnell Goldman presents Restaurateur of the Year to Angela Armenise, Blackie’s Bull Dog Tavern.
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- Burnell Goldman presents Hotel Chef of the Year to Franco Paterno, Providence Marriott Downtown.
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- Burnell Goldman presents Restaurant Chef of the Year to Steven Trabucco, Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns.
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- RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini and RI Hospitality Education Foundation Chairman David DePetrillo present the Chairman’s Award to Heather R. Singleton, COO, RI Hospitality Association and RI Hospitality Education Foundation.
Photos by Richard Kizirian Photography.
