RIHA’s Stars of the Industry Gala Makes a Gold-Hued Return

The 2022 Stars of the Industry Awards hosted by the RI Hospitality Association and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation roared back to a glittering annual celebration of hospitality professional excellence after a two-year pandemic absence. This year’s event took place at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Nov. 30 and opened with a performance by BMI singer-songwriter Julia Cole. In keeping with the Oscar-themed event amid the theater’s lavish and gilded decor, more than 20 categories were awarded as winners strode to the onstage podium on an elevated red-carpet runway. Created more than 31 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. Sponsors included PPAC, Healthy Hospitality Rhode Island, OceanPoint Insurance, McGrath’s Clambakes & Catering, Falvey Linen Supply, Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island, Sysco, Horizon Beverage Co. and Mancini Beverage, among them. 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 2022 RIHA Stars of the Industry Awards was hosted at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Nov. 30.

: Awards await presentation onstage.

: Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO, RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) welcomes guests.

: David DePetrillo, RIHEF addresses the crowd.

: Heather R. Singleton, Chief Operating Officer, RIHA and RIHEF announces a category winner.

: Education Ambassador of the Year: Michael Joseph Sabitoni, Hospitality Department Chair, Johnson & Wales University.

: RIHA Chairman of the Board William Kitsilis, Angelo’s Palace Pizza and Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice, announces the Chairman’s Award.

: RIHEF Chairman’s Award: Matthew Weldon, Director, RI Department of Labor and Training.

: RIHA Chairman’s Award: Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.

: Bob Bacon, Lifetime Achievement Award, Owner, Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns.

: Legislative Hospitality Ambassador of the Year: Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Esq., RI State Representative, District 33.

: Legislative Hospitality Ambassador of the Year: Sen. Joshua Miller, RI State Senator, District 28.

: Bartender of the Year: Adam Stabile, Head Bartender, Providence Oyster Bar.

: Bartender of the Year: Colleen Heslam, Bartender, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort.

: Vendor Representative of the Year: Keith Morris, On Premise General Manager, Mancini Beverage.

: Restaurateur of the Year, Restaurant Group: Sanjiv Dhar, President, Spice Kraft Inc.

: Restaurateur of the Year, Fine Dining: Robert Leonard, Manager/Co-owner, Coast Guard House.

: Restaurateur of the Year, Brewery: Jeremy Duffy and Devin Kelly, Co-founders and Managing Partners, The Guild Brewing Co.

: Hotel Chef of the Year: Jacob Jasinski, Executive Chef, The Chanler at Cliff Walk.

: President’s Award: Susan DeAngelus Valles and William DeAngelus III (not shown), Owners/Operators, Twin Oaks Restaurant.

: Woman of the Year: Kait O’Hara, Vice President, Falvey Linen Supply.

: Man of the Year: Anthony Pellegrino, Head of Hotels, Ash.

: Guests enjoyed catered dishes from McGrath’s Clambakes & Catering, whose president, T.R. McGrath, was among the Volunteers of the Year award recipients.