New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association Revives Awards Ceremony After Five-Year Pause, Honoring State’s Culinary Leaders
The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA) is bringing back one of the state’s most anticipated culinary honors with the announcement of the Chef of the Year award next month. This year’s ceremony marks the nonprofit’s 40th annual awards event and the first in five years, following a pandemic-related hiatus that paused one of New Jersey’s premier gatherings celebrating excellence in the hospitality industry. Public voting for the Chef of the Year concluded in October, generating excitement across the state as finalists await the official reveal.
The list of nominees represents some of New Jersey’s most celebrated culinary talent. Finalists include Scott Anderson of Elements in Princeton, Richard Cusack of June BYOB in Collingswood, Romeo DiBona of Ocean Steak at Ocean Casino Resort, Leia Gaccione of The Saint Clair, Jason Hanin of The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, Jamie Knott of Cellar 335 in Jersey City, David Viana of Abramzon & David’s, and Sean Yan of Ram & Rooster, recognized among the state’s best new restaurants for 2025. These chefs embody innovation, creativity, and dedication to elevating New Jersey’s culinary scene.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, at the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station. The event will honor leaders across all areas of hospitality, from restaurateurs and hoteliers to community advocates and industry mentors. Tickets are available online, starting at $125, with additional sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to support New Jersey’s thriving hospitality sector.
“Our honorees set the standard for excellence in hospitality,” said NJRHA President and CEO Daniel Klim. “Their leadership and vision ensure that New Jersey’s restaurants and hotels continue to thrive, contribute to our state’s economy, and foster a deep connection to the communities they serve.”
Confirmed award recipients for 2025 highlight the diversity and impact of New Jersey’s hospitality leaders. Restaurateur of the Year honors go to the Kunisch family for their work with Allendale Bar & Grill and Mahwah Bar & Grill. Eustace Mita of ICONA Resorts receives Hotelier of the Year, while Mike Perro of PJW Restaurant Group is recognized with the Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award. Additional honors include Marilou Halvorsen from the American Hotel & Lodging Association for Hospitality, Dale Florio of Princeton Public Affairs as Friend of the Industry, and Chef Jesse Jones for Community Impact.
In conjunction with the awards, NJRHA is launching its inaugural New Jersey Restaurant Week from Friday, October 17 through Thursday, October 23. Participating restaurants across the state are offering exclusive specials, prix-fixe menus, and featured dishes designed to highlight local culinary talent. Notable participants include Black Horse Tavern & Pub in Mendham, The Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick, and Central Taco & Tequila in Haddon Township, providing residents and visitors an opportunity to experience some of New Jersey’s finest dining at special rates.
For more information on New Jersey’s culinary events, restaurant specials, and hospitality news, visit Explore New Jersey Food & Beverage.
