RIHA Member Reception Honors Zannella Legacy

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted its annual membership reception on the patio of The Capital Grille in Providence on June 14. Touted as the official kickoff to summer, the event also featured members of the Zannella family, who presented the Al Zannella Scholarship and awarded $5,000 to Sydney Caswell, from Chariho Career and Technical Center, who will study hospitality management at the University of Rhode Island this fall. The scholarship was founded in Zannella’s name upon his passing in 2020, honoring his legacy as Executive Vice President of Mancini Beverage, where he was employed for 44 years, and his service as a board member of the RIHA, among his long-standing community and industry support. Additionally, the Chairman of the Board of the National Restaurant Association, Scott Redler, Co-founder, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, joined the 140 RIHA members for networking after the scholarship presentation. Sponsors included Chris Phillips and his team at The Capital Grille; Chris and Nelly Saraiva, Co-owners, Brands of Portugal; Chris Trosin, Owner, Metro Lobster & Seafood; Bill Dessel, Co-founder, KEEL Vodka; and Kiel Patrick, Founder, Newport Lemonade.

: Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) welcomes guests to the annual membership reception at The Capital Grille in Providence on June 14.

: Members of RIHA and the Zannella family present the Al Zannella Scholarship, which awards $5,000, to Sydney Caswell, who will study hospitality management at the University of Rhode Island. The scholarship honors the legacy of industry veteran and RIHA Board Member Al Zannella, who passed away in 2020.

: All of 10 Rocks Tapas Bar and Restaurant; Maria Monteiro; Dalida Alves, Brunch Manager; Carmen Monteiro, Owner/CEO; Vivianne Monteiro, Manager; and Selena Evora, Manager.

: Scott Redler, Co-founder, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Chairman of the Board, National Restaurant Association was in attendance.

: Chris Phillips, Managing Partner, The Capital Grille and event sponsor.

: All of Gracie’s Ventures: Stephanie Pajak, Private Events and Catering Leader; Giulianna Galiano-Gomez, Communications and Development Leader; Kerri Spady, Pastry Chef; Samara Wald, Front of House Leader; and Danielle Corkhum.

: Jessica Caparco, Senior Director of Marketing, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau; Christine Phillips, Senior Director of Community and Public Affairs, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau; Scott Redler, Co-founder, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Chairman of the Board, National Restaurant Association; Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA; Bill Dessel, Co-founder, KEEL Vodka and RIHA Board Member; Bill Walsh, Attorney, Government Strategies, Inc.; and Keil Patrick, Founder, Newport Lemonade.

: Joseph Pariseault, Consultant, Richards Pub; Richard Mignanelli, Owner, Richards Pub; Bob Bacon, Owner, Gregg’s Restaurants and RIHA Board Member; and Tom Regan, OceanPoint Insurance Agency, Co-owner, O’Brien’s Pub and RIHA Board Member.