Jeanne Cretella, co-founder and president of Landmark Hospitality, will receive this year’s Restaurateur of the Year award, the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association in Trenton announced on Monday.
“It’s been a male-dominated industry, but the tide is changing,” Marilou Halvorsen, president of the NJRHA, said. “Only the past recipients of this prestigious award are allowed to vote and that says even more about how deserving Jeanne is of this award.”
Landmark Hospitality, a multimillion dollar events, catering and restaurant group in Jersey City, began as a single concession stand at the Staten Island Zoo in 1978. Today, its properties include top restaurants and hotels such as the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in New Windsor, and the Hotel du Village and the Logan Inn in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
“Not only does she manage (several) impressive properties, but also, Jeanne spends endless hours advocating on behalf of our industry in Trenton and D.C. every year,” Halvorsen said.
Cretella will receive her award alongside several 2018 industry award winners at the annual awards gala on Monday, Dec. 3 at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino.
Curtis Bashaw, co-founder and co-managing partner of Cape Advisors Inc., a real estate development firm, and Cape Resorts Group, a hotel operating company, in Cape May, will receive the NJRHA’s Gold Plate award.
Robby Younes, chief operating officer of Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, will receive the NJRHA’s Hospitality Award for his oversight of its sales department, culinary outlets, information technology and operations, golf courses, wine cellar, and more.
Tim Delaney, owner and president of Delaney Restaurant Realty in Randolph, will receive the NJRHA Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award for having united New Jersey restaurant buyers and sellers since 1996.
The annual Awards Gala, which hosts approximately 350 people, was created by the NJRHA to honor the industry award winners and celebrate the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Those seeking more information on the event may contact Karen Geisel, special events manager at the NJRHA, at kgeisel@njrha.org.
