The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) proudly unveiled the finalists for the inaugural ANCHORS Awards this week during a special celebration held at Matunuck Oyster Bar in Wakefield, RI. With 74 outstanding nominees across 13 diverse categories, the ANCHORS aim to celebrate excellence and dedication within Rhode Island’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Public voting for all award categories is officially open now and will remain live through January 1t, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced at a spectacular awards ceremony, hosted by social media influencers Laura Afonso and Sascha Roberts of Honey Buns Social, on January 15, 2025, at Bally’s Lincoln. This Academy Awards-style event will highlight champions of hospitality and recognize the industry’s most exceptional contributors.
“The ANCHORS Awards represent the spirit and resilience of our hospitality community,” said Farouk Rajab, RIHA President/CEO. “The finalists are shining examples of the talent and passion that fuel Rhode Island’s hospitality industry. We’re thrilled to invite the public to take part in honoring their achievements.”
Award Categories and Finalists Include:
● Emerging Leader of the Year: Adeline Bradshaw (Dan’s Management), Stephanie Pajak (Ellie’s), Alison Bonsignore (The Shore House), Liliana Texeira (Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick), and Jeremy Denis (The Dean Hotel).
● Food Service Employee of the Year: Autumn Elms (Saint Martha), Johnny Tarrats (10 Prime Steak & Sushi), Donna Durgin (Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel), Zoe Savage (G Hospitality), and Paige Martone (George’s of Galilee].
● Lodging Employee of the Year: Patti Gaunt (Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa], Bethany Ortiz (Graduate by Hilton Providence), Katherine Brown (Providence Marriott Downtown), Alicia Toulis (Omni Providence Hotel), and Robert Ferrari (Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel).
● Tourism Employee of the Year: Amanda Sams (Preservation Society of Newport), Kirby Arsenault (Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina), Lee Lord (Narragansett Brewery), Bradly VanDerStad (Providence Tour Company), and Mathew MacCartney (Ocean House Collection).
● Instagram Account of the Year: Chomp, Discover Newport, Chanler, RI Food & Travel, Fleur, and Tiny Bar.
● Restaurant of the Year: Beech, Rasa, Bacaro, Bettola, Purslane, and Gift Horse.
● Hotel of the Year: Brenton Hotel, Spring House, Gardiner, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Weekapaug Inn, and Beatrice Hotel.
● People’s Choice Award: Matunuck Oyster Bar, Blackie’s, Oberlin, Vanda, Trap North, and Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar.
● Chef of the Year: Stacy Deetz (Hangry Kitchen), Champe Speidel (Persimmon), Andy Teixeira (Newport Vineyards), Maria Meza (Dolores), and Nick Gillespie (Dune Brothers Seafood).
● Newcomer of the Year: The Social House, makmak EATERY, Crudo, The Loom Hotel, Boon Street Market, Topgolf and Celeste.
● Allied Member of the Year: Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply, Healthsource RI, Beacon Mutual, Mancini Beverage, and Gordon Food Service.
● Arthur Robbins’ Community Service of the Year: Christopher Marsella, Johnson & Wales University (JWU), Newport Restaurant Group, and Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns.
● RI Hospitality Ambassador Award of the Year: Newport Craft Brewing, Fogo de Chão, McGrath Clambake & Catering, Demaris Messina (Aloft), and Erika D’Arezzo (Wayfinder Newport).
A complete list of award categories and finalists is available on the ANCHORS Awards voting page.
How to Vote:
Beginning Wednesday, December 4th at 4:00 p.m., voting is open to the public online at Public Voting! The ANCHORS Survey and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. Winners will be determined based on a combination of public input and industry evaluations.
Tickets for the ANCHORS Awards ceremony are available for purchase at $150 per person, with VIP table packages starting at $2,000. Sponsorship opportunities remain open.
For more information, contact victoria@rihospitality.org or visit the RI Hospitality Association website.
About the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA):
With more than 900 foodservice, hotel, vendor, and other hospitality members in Rhode Island, the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) has been the voice of the hospitality industry in the state since 1963. For more information on RIHA, please call (401) 223-1120, or write to: RI Hospitality Association, 94 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI, 02910 or visit www.rihospitality.org.
