The NJRHA Awards

Celebrate the New Jersey restaurant and hospitality industry at our 40th annual 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. 

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Our awards ceremony recognizes the contributions of those who shape our industry, from restaurateurs and chefs to hoteliers and hospitality supporters. This event is open to the public, and we invite you to celebrate and help determine the 2025 Chef of the Year. Continue reading to view the award recipients honored at this year's event.

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.**

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 Whelihans

Hospitality Award: Marilou Halverson, 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