RIHA Annual Member Reception Hosted in Providence

RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted its annual membership reception at The Capital Grille in Providence on June 21. Guests enjoyed an evening gathering on the patio, where the venue’s Chris Phillips and his team served small bites, featuring fresh seafood from member sponsor Metro Lobster & Seafood. Locally founded light vodka brand KEEL was showcased in a signature cocktail, Lavender Lemonade. Board members gave legislative and association updates and attendees advocated the benefits of the local industry’s economic impacts in photo opportunities. RIHA represents more than 900 food service, hotels, vendors and hospitality members in the state.

: Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA and Lt. Gov. of Rhode Island Sabina Matos.

: Chris Phillips, Managing Partner, The Capital Grille and RIHA Chairman of the Board and Bill Kitsilis, Owner, Angelo’s Palace Pizza and Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice.

: Lance Trenary, President/CEO, Golden Corral Corporation and Chairman of the Board, National Restaurant Association.

: Joanna Arrighie, Senior Sales Manager, RI Convention Center and Sam Glynn, Owner, Chomp Kitchen & Drinks and Vice Chairman of RI Hospitality Education Foundation.

: Angel Winpenny, Owner, The Patio on Main and Sheri Young, Ed.D., Dean of Experiential Education & Career Services, Johnson & Wales University.

: RIHA Board Members Bill Dessel, CEO/Co-founder, KEEL Vodka; Charlie Holder, General Manager, Midtown Oyster Bar; and TR McGrath, Owner, McGrath Clambakes.

: Lt. Gov. of Rhode Island Sabina Matos; Marilou Halvorsen, Vice President of Government Affairs and State Relations, American Hotel & Lodging Association; Chip Rogers President/CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association; and Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA.

: Diane Van Pelt, Senior Portfolio Manager, Sprague Energy; Tina Tomaselli, Owner, T’s Restaurants and RIHA Board Member; and Ruth Ferrazzano, Owner, Murphy’s Providence.

: Lt. Gov. of Rhode Island Sabina Matos and Heather Singleton, COO, RIHA.

: Carmen Monteiro, Owner, 10 Rocks Tapas Bar & Restaurant and team.

: Jennifer Luxmoore, Owner, Sin and RIHA Board Member; Sheri Young, Ed.D., Dean of Experiential Education & Career Services, Johnson & Wales University; and Stephanie Pajak, Catering & Events Leader, Ellie’s.

: Andy Pyle, Executive Chef, Xaco Taco; Jeremy Nardone, General Manager, 10 Prime Steak & Sushi; Christina Monahan, Chow Fun Food Group; Melissa Michel, Chow Fun Food Group; and Harrison Elkhay, Vice President, Chow Fun Food Group.