The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association is gearing up for the return of the 40th NJRHA Awards, an evening celebrating the most impactful leaders and innovators in the state’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
Hosted at the historic Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station on Nov. 5, the event will bring together industry leaders for an evening of recognition, reflection, and celebration.
Honorees will be celebrated during an award presentation.
This year’s honorees are:
- Restaurateur of the Year – The Kunisch Family, Mahwah Bar & Grill and Allendale Bar & Grill
- Hotelier of the Year – ICONA Resorts
- Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Perro, PJ Whelihans
- Hospitality Award – Marilou Halvorsen, American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Friend of the Industry – Dale Florio, Princeton Public Affairs Group
- Community Impact Award – Chef Jesse Jones, private chef, author, mentor
- Executive Chef of the Year – TBD
This year, the award for executive chef of the year will be decided by a public vote, giving the broader community the opportunity to recognize the culinary talent that inspires them most. Official voting will be open from Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 12:00 a.m., through Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11:59 p.m. The public will be able to cast a vote for their favorite chef at www.njrha.org.
“Our honorees set the standard for excellence in hospitality,” NJRHA President & CEO Daniel Klim said. “Their leadership and vision not only ensure that New Jersey’s restaurants and hotels continue to thrive and play a vital role in our State’s economy and culture but also reflect a deep commitment to giving back to the communities and industry they passionately serve.”
