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New Jersey’s hospitality sector is coming together to honor impactful leaders and innovators.

During a reception scheduled for Nov. 5 at Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association will recognize:

• The Kunisch Family of Mahwah Bar & Grill and Allendale Bar & Grill Restaurateur of the Year
• ICONA Resorts Hotelier of the Year
• Mike Perro, director of operations, P.J. Whelihan’s Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award
• Marilou Halvorson, senior vice president, American Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Award
• Dale Florio, founder and managing partner, Princeton Public Affairs Friend of the Industry
• Jesse Jones, private chef and author Community Impact Award

The statewide trade association is allowing the broader community to vote on the award for executive chef of the year. Official voting will be open from Oct. 1 at midnight through Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m. at njrha.org.

NJRHA President and CEO Daniel Klim said, “Our honorees set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Their leadership and vision not only ensure that New Jersey’s restaurants and hotels continue to thrive and play a vital role in our state’s economy and culture but also reflect a deep commitment to giving back to the communities and industry they passionately serve.”

Prior to the pandemic, the NJRHA Awards took place annually as a way to celebrate the state’s vibrant restaurant and hospitality industry. It has been on hiatus since 2020, however.

NJRHA Vice President of Public Affairs Amanda Stone said, “We couldn’t host it for a year or two due to restrictions and then our industry was continuing to recover. 2025 seemed like the right time to bring it back.”

This year’s event will run from 5–8 p.m.

Tickets are available for $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also open. For more information, click here.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:48 a.m. EST Sept. 19, 2025, to correct the names of The Kunisch Family and Marilou Halvorson.