The NJRHA Awards will return to the Garden State on November 5, 2025, at the Ryland Inn. See below for full details.
Celebrate the best of the New Jersey restaurant and hospitality industry at our 40th awards ceremony on November 5, 2025! The event will take place at the Ryland Inn, located in White House Station, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.
The sponsorship opportunities linked above include tickets to the event. If you cannot attend but still want to sponsor, please view these items.
Our awards ceremony recognizes the contributions of those who shape our industry, from restaurateurs and chefs to hoteliers and hospitality supporters.
2025 Award Recipients
Restaurateur of the Year Award: The Kunisch Family, Allendale Bar & Grill, Mahwah Bar & Grill
Hotelier of the Year Award: Eustace Mita, ICONA Resorts
Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Perro, PJ Whelihan's
Hospitality Award: Marilou Halvorsen, American Hotel & Lodging Association
Friend of the Industry Award: Dale Florio, Princeton Public Affairs Group
Community Impact Award: Chef Jesse Jones, Private chef, author, mentor
2025 Chef of the Year Voting
The 2025 Chef of the Year is a publicly voted award, and your vote helps decide the outcome. Official voting is open from October 1, at 12:00 am, through October 14, at 11:59 pm, and can be submitted exclusively through the form below.
**Please note that the survey is unavailable for viewing outside the timeframe listed above.**
Thank you to everyone who has supported our association and the foodservice and hospitality industry! Check back soon for more updates and a list of sponsors.