Annual "Stars of the Industry" Showcases Rhode Island Talent

More than 700 guests attended the annual “Stars of the Industry” dinner and awards ceremony held on November 30, 2016 at Twin River Casino. RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and RI Hospitality Education Foundation have hosted this event for more than 25 years to recognize a range of professions and personalities within the restaurant and hospitality industries. A cocktail reception and exhibition hour preceded the main awards dinner event, which was kicked off with a performance by the Troupe Monte Carlo, arranged by Fountain Street Creative. Dale Venturini, CEO and President of RI Hospitality Association, welcomed guests and Paul McDonald, singer/songwriter and “American Idol” finalist, performed during dinner.

Frank T. Galleshaw, III, of Wright’s Farm Restaurant received the 2016 President’s Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Vincenzo Iemma of Capriccio & Café Nuovo. Hotelier of the Year went to Robert J. Burnetti, Hotel Viking. Restaurateur of the Year was awarded to David Lahousse of both The Lodge Pub & Eatery and Kay’s Restaurant. Ecolab was voted Vendor of the Year. Volunteer of the Year was awarded to George McAuliffe, Mews Tavern. Matthew R. Varga of Gracie’s earned Chef of the Year. Three were named Bartender of the Year: Kerri Lynn Handrigan, Champlin’s Seafood Deck; Jeffrey C. DeSautels, Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse; and Allison B. Willwerth, Shipyard and Blackstone Bar.

Tracy Rabar of Avenue N American Kitchen and The Pantry was named Woman of the Year; and Man of the Year was awarded to Norman L. LeBlanc, CPA, Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd. Three venues earned Farm to Fork Excellence in Sustainability: Nick’s on Broadway, Persimmon and Tallulah. Rep. Lauren Carson and Rep. William A. Walaska were recognized as Hospitality Ambassadors of the Year. A complete list of award recipients and categories can be found at www.rihospitality.org. Hospitality professionals were nominated by the public and elected officials of the RIHA board.

: Vendor displays and a cocktail reception preceded the main event.

: Annual “Stars of the Industry”

: Singer Paul McDonald, sponsored by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).

: Dale Venturini, President/CEO of the RI Hospitality Association.

: 2016 President’s Award: Dale Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA; Frank T. Galleshaw, III, Wright’s Farm Restaurant; Craig Sculos, Chairman of the Board, RIHA.

: Lifetime Achievement Award winner Vincenzo Iemma of Capriccio & Café Nuovo, with Venturini and Sculos.

: Hotelier of the Year: Robert J. Burnetti, Hotel Viking, with Sculos.

: Vendor Representative of the Year Paul Fitzpatrick, Performance Food Group, with Sculos. Joseph Gaudreau, District Sale Manager of Sysco Boston (not pictured) was also named a Vendor Representative of the Year.

: Volunteer of the Year George McAuliffe of Mews Tavern with Sculos.

: Chef of the Year Matthew R. Varga of Gracie’s with Sculos.

: Bartender of the Year Allison B. Willwerth of Shipyard and Blackstone Bar with Sculos.

: Bartender of the Year Jeffrey DeSautels of Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse with Sculos.

: Bartender of the Year Kerri Lynn Handrigan of Champlin’s Seafood Deck with Sculos.

: Woman of the Year Tracy Rabar, Avenue N American Kitchen and The Pantry with Sculos.

: Man of the Year Norman L. LeBlanc, CPA, from Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd. with Sculos.

: Farm to Fork Excellence in Sustainability winners Jake and Kelly Ann Rojas, Chef/Owners, Tallulah; Chef/Owner Champe Speidel of Persimmon and his wife Lisa Speidel; and Chef/Owner Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway with his wife Kayde Wagner.

: Hospitality Ambassador of the Year Representative Lauren Carson with Venturini and Sculos. Senator William Walaska (not pictured) was also named Hospitality Ambassador of the Year.

: Michael Lester, On-Premise Manager, M.S. Walker; Al Zannella, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Rhode Island Distributing Co.; and Frank Martucci, General Manager of Beverage Operations, Twin River Casino.