The 2023 Stars of the Industry Awards hosted by the RI Hospitality Association and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation was hosted at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center on Dec. 6 and opened with a performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam James. More than 20 categories were awarded as winners strode to the onstage podium on an elevated red-carpet runway. Created more than 32 years ago, the Stars of the Industry Awards recognize Rhode Island-based employees in the restaurant and hospitality industries who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and contributed to the positive image of the hospitality industry. Each category had up to three winners in addition to those named in the gallery recap. A full awards list and images can be found at rihospitality.org.
-
- The 2023 Stars of the Industry Awards hosted by the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) was hosted at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center on Dec. 6.
-
- More than 20 categories were awarded as winners strode to the onstage podium on an elevated red-carpet runway.
-
- All of RIHA: Dale Venturini, President and CEO; David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort; and Heather Singleton, Chief Operating Officer.
-
- David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort; Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA; The Honorable Brett Smiley, Mayor, City of Providence; and Sam James, Performer.
-
- Event team Amanda Morgan and Tara Cioffi, Providence Performing Arts Center.
-
- RIHA’s Dale Venturni welcomes guests to PPAC.
-
- David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort and William Kitsilis, Retiring Chair, RIHEF with the passing of the gavel.
-
- Bartender of the Year: Laura Ganci, Courtland Club.
-
- Bartender of the Year: Maegan Choiniere, Rooftop at the Providence G.
-
- Bartender of the Year: Tev’n Brown, The Bistro at Ocean House.
-
- Woman of the Year: Jennifer Luxmoore, Sin Bakery with David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort.
-
- Man of the Year: Colin Geoffroy, President, G Hospitality and David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort.
-
- Brewery of the Year: Narragansett Beer’s Erin Crossett, Taproom General Manager; Lee Lord, Brewmaster; and David Smiley, Chair, RIHEF and General Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort.
-
- Catering Employee of the Year: Gina Calcagni, Blackstone Caterers.
-
- Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA and President’s Award Recipient Gerry Fernandes, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance.
-
- Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA and RIHA Chairman’s Award Recipient Scott Redler, National Restaurant Association.
-
- Restaurant Employees of the Year: Tony Oliveira and Jennifer Cooke, Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns.
-
- All of Angelo’s Palace Pizza: Emerging Leader of the Year: Stephanie Saba; Restaurant Employee of the Year: Robert McMaugh; and Jessica Savage.
-
- Emerging Leader of the Year: Iris Ocfemia, Providence Marriott Downtown.
-
- Michael Joseph Sabitoni, Hospitality Department Chair, Johnson & Wales University with wine provided by Brands of Portugal and a charcuterie box arranged by McGrath Clambakes & Catering.
-
- Guests were treated to dinner catered by local restaurants, including Angelo’s Palace Pizza, DeWolf Tavern, Giusto and McGrath’s Clambakes & Catering.
-
- Attendees received complimentary wine provided by Brands of Portugal.
-
- Audience members had a laugh at the RIHA’s 2023 Stars of the Industry Awards on Dec. 6.
-
- The stage also served as a reception space after the ceremony.
Photos by Richard Kizirian, Kizirian Photography.
