Rhode Island’s restaurant industry was feted at the annual Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) “Stars of the Industry” awards on December 4, 2019. Close to 900 industry professionals were in attendance for the cocktail reception, annual ceremony and after-party at the Twin River Casino Hotel, hosted by RIHA and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. The awards kicked off with a space creature-themed performance from Providence-based troupe Big Nazo, unmasking several board members, including Dale Venturini, RIHA President and CEO. Venturini and Burnell L. Goldman, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Omni Providence Hotel, welcomed guests and the 2019 Board was recognized. Incoming Chairman Christopher Tarro of Siena Restaurants was welcomed onstage for the symbolic gavel handoff. 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 rihospitality.org.
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- Performance troupe Big Nazo ushered in, and unmasked, RIHA leadership at the gala’s opening.
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- Dawn Sweeney, President/CEO, National Restaurant Association with Brian Casey, Treasurer, National Restaurant Association (left); Bahjat Shariff, Board Member, National Restaurant Association (second from right); and Chris Tarro, 2020 Chairman, RIHA (right).
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- Kimberly Greene, General Manager, Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel receives the RIHA Chairman’s Award from Burnell Goldman, 2019 Chairman, RIHA.
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- Robert P. Brooks, Managing Partner and Chairman, Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C.’s Labor and Employment Law Group receives the President’s Award from Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA and Chris Tarro, 2020 Chairman, RIHA.
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- Christine Kitsilis, Founder, Angelo’s Palace Pizza receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Venturini and Tarro.
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- Frank T. Galleshaw III, Owner, Wright’s Farm Restaurant receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Venturini and Tarro.
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- Farouk Rajab, General Manager, Providence Marriott Downtown receives the Hotelier of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Floyd Crisp, Operating Partner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar receives the Restaurateur of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Tamara McKenney (left) and Kris Waugh (right), Co-founders, Apponaug Brewing Company receive the Brewery of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Garrett St. Amand, Executive Chef, Newport Marriott receives the Hotel Chef of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Matt Voskuil, Executive Chef, Ocean House receives the Hotel Chef of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Nathaniel Williams, Corporate Executive Chef, Siena Restaurants receives the Restaurant Chef of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Tom Riel, Vice President of Sales & Services, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau receives the Mary Brennan Tourism Award from Tarro.
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- Ellen Slattery, Proprietor, Gracie’s Ventures receives the Woman of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Tina Tomaselli, Co-founder, T’s Restaurant Group receives the Woman of the Year Award from Tarro..
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- Bill Kitsilis, Partner and Co-owner, Angelo’s Palace Pizza and Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice accompanied by his daughter, Celina, receives the Man of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- The Honorable Frank S. Lombardi, District 26, Rhode Island Senate receives the Hospitality Ambassador of the Year Award from Venturini and Tarro.
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- Kelly MacArthur Coates, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carpionato Group receives the Hospitality Ambassador of the Year Award from Venturini and Tarro.
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- Scott Williams, General Manager, Graduate Providence receives the Boss of the Year Award from Tarro.
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- Yarrow Thorne, Founder and Executive Director, The Avenue Concept receives the Culture of Community Award from Tarro.
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- Scott Connery, Vice President of Sales and Events/Chief Operating Officer, Skyline at Waterplace accepts the Culture of Community Award from Tarro.
Photos by Richard Kizirian Photography.
