RIHA Annual Meeting Celebrates Industry Successes

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) and RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) gathered on Dec. 1, 2021 for the association’s annual meeting, the first in-person celebration for the association since 2019. The celebration highlighted the accomplishments of members, teamwork and industry successes. Held annually, the gathering also serves as the official forum to elect new board members and thank outgoing members for their service. Outgoing chairman, Farouk Rajab of Providence Marriott Downtown, as well as incoming Chairman Bill Kitsilis of Angelo’s Palace Pizza, were among the honorees. Special guests included Gov. Dan McKee, Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor, DBR Director Liz Tanner and SBA Regional Director Mark Hayward. Three NFL Football Hall of Famers, Ty Law, Fred Smerlas and Steve DeOssie, joined in the festivities, the latter being the founders of Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse at Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln, where the event was hosted. During the annual meeting, Secretary Pryor recognized the important collaborative role of the trade association in shaping and supporting COVID-19 related guidelines, restrictions and communications for the industry. Chairman Rajab received a citation of excellence from Gov. McKee. RIHA CEO and President Dale Venturini was presented with the inaugural Golden Pineapple Award, recognizing her outstanding efforts during the industry’s most difficult period. The pineapple serves as the emblem for RIHA, as it is a classic symbol of welcome and hospitality. Funds were also raised for the trade association, the new RI Hospitality Pineapple PAC and the education foundation.

: Peter Cafaro, Studio JBD and Jefferson Group Architecture; Tina Tomaselli, T’s Restaurants and Chuck Fraser, Sysco and RIHA Board Member.

: Mike Lester, On Premise, Sales & Craft Spirits Manager, MS Walker and Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA.

: Sarah Bratko, Esq., Sr. Vice President of Advocacy and General Counsel and Heather Singleton, Chief Operating Officer, RIHA.

: Peter Beausoleil and Michael Zabatta, EcoLab.

: Special Guest NFL Hall of Famer’s Ty Law with Bill Dessel, KEEL Vodka.

: Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA and Steve DeOssie, NFL Hall of Famer and Co-Founder, Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse.

: Outgoing RIHA Chairman Farouk Rajab handing the gavel to Incoming RIHA Chairman, Bill Kitsilis.

: Gov. Dan McKee addressed guests and recognized RIHA’s efforts in aiding policy during the pandemic.

: Gov. McKee presents outgoing RIHA Chairman Farouk Rajab with a citation of excellence.

: Farouk Rajab presenting Dale Venturini with the Golden Pineapple PAC Award.

: Fred Smerlas, NFL Hall of Famer and host of NBC Sports Boston, “The New England Tailgate Show.”

: Craig Sculos, Vice President and General Manager, Bally’s Twin River Casino and past-serving RIHA Chairman.

: Farouk Rajab, Steve DeOssie, Ty Law, Gov. Dan McKee and Dale Venturini with a surprise donation check from Bally’s Twin River Casino.

: Frank Martucci, Director of Beverage & Nightlife, Bally’s Corporation and Mike Lester, On Premise, Sales & Craft Spirits Manager, MS Walker.

: Floyd Crisp, Operating Partner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Joanna Arrighie, Senior Sales Manager, RI Convention Center.

: Chris McNally, Beacon Mutual; Sam Sylvester, Michelle Dolliff, David Madara, Ty Law, Bill Dessel and Ex-Officio Thomas J. Regan, OceanPoint Insurance.

: Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce, State of RI and Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA.

: Lee Lewis, Junior Achievement and Director, RIHEF and Michael Sabitoni, Johnson & Wales University.

: The Christmas-tini, sponsored by MS Walker and featuring KEEL Vodka.

: Guests enjoyed Monetto Prosecco, Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay and Francis Coppola Black Label Claret.

: Stephanie Paradise, General Manager, Fred & Steve’s, pouring Francis Ford Coppola Black Label Claret for guests, available via MS Walker’s portfolio.

: Todd Dalessio and Chris McNally, Beacon Mutual Insurance.

: David DePetrillo, Director, RI Tourism and Chairman of the Board, RIHEF and Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA.

: All RIHEF Board Directors except where indicated: Melissa Varao, Ph.D, Salve Regina University; Karsten Hart, Newport Harbor Corporation; David DePetrillo, Chairman of the Board, RIHEF; Ray McCue, Ex-Officio, American Culinary Federation; Floyd Crisp, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar; Joanna Arrighie, Secretary, Providence Marriott Downtown and Michael Sabitoni, Honorary, Johnson & Wales.