Awards for Noteworthy Champions of Hospitality & Outstanding Restaurant Service:

To identify outstanding members of the hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of the Hospitality Industry in Rhode Island.

Nominees and winners do not need to be members of the RI Hospitality Association, and membership status is not considered when selecting finalists or winners.

“Employees of the Year” Nominees can be from any Rhode Island hotels, restaurants, caterers, private event venues, vendors, and individuals who fulfill the category criteria. This includes anyone working in both front-of-house and back-of-house roles in the hospitality industry (e.g., Chef, Dishwasher, Busser, Server, Housekeeper, Front Desk, etc.).

• Emerging Leader of the Year
• Food Service Employee of the Year
• Lodging Employee of the Year
• Tourism Employee of the Year

• Restaurant of the Year
  • Recognizes a restaurant that exemplifies exceptional standards in operations, cuisine, and guest experience while serving as an inspiration and role model to others in the industry.
• Hotel of the Year
  • Honors a hotel that sets the benchmark for service, operations, and innovation in the lodging sector, inspiring excellence across Rhode Island’s hospitality community.
• Arthur Robbins’ Community Service Award
  • Honors an individual or organization dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the hospitality industry through meaningful contributions, community service, and lasting impact.
• Hospitality Champion Award of the Year
  • Celebrates an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to advancing and promoting Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality sector.
• People’s Choice Award of the Year
  • This award celebrates the hospitality business, venue, or experience that has captured hearts of the public.
• Chef of the Year
  • Awarded to a working chef in Rhode Island whose career reflects exceptional culinary excellence, leadership, and mentorship, serving as a standard and inspiration to others in the field.
• Newcomer of the Year
  • Recognizes a new hospitality business or professional who demonstrates outstanding achievement in food, beverage, atmosphere, and overall guest experience.
• Hospitality Instagram Account of the Year
  • Celebrates a social media presence that showcases exceptional creativity, engagement, and storytelling, highlighting Rhode Island’s vibrant hospitality scene.
• Must-See Attraction of the Year
• Honors a standout tourism destination or attraction that delivers an unforgettable visitor experience and contributes to Rhode Island’s appeal as a must-visit location.

Eligibility:

Nominees and winners no longer require association membership. All Rhode Island hospitality industry employees and businesses are eligible, regardless of their role.
Focus on Merit: Membership status will not influence the selection of finalists or winners.

Submission:

This application must be completed either by the nominator or the nominee to assist in the evaluation of candidates for The ANCHORS awards. In addition to the nomination form, please provide a brief answer from the employee to this prompt: “I love working in the hospitality industry because…”.

Deadline to submit: Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at midnight.
Nominations will only be accepted via the online submission form.
Contact: victoria@rihospitality.org for more information.

Award winners will be honored by the RI Hospitality Association and its Education Foundation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

*One submission per category per organization