Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 ANCHORS
By Farouk Rajab, President / CEO, RI Hospitality Association
Each year, Rhode Island’s hospitality community comes together to honor its brightest talents—and this January will be no exception. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) will proudly host the ANCHORS at the Rhode Island Convention Center. More than a ceremony, this Academy Awards-style, red-carpet evening is our chance to celebrate the people and businesses that make Rhode Island a destination of choice for both residents and visitors.
The ANCHORS — short for Awards for Noteworthy Champions of Hospitality and Outstanding Restaurant Service—represent the highest recognition in our industry. They spotlight excellence, innovation, and dedication across all facets of hospitality. From chefs and hotel staff to emerging leaders and community champions, the awards showcase those whose work sets the standard for our state’s vibrant hospitality sector.
As we look ahead, it is important to reflect on how our industry has persevered through rising costs, workforce shortages, and shifting consumer expectations. Time and again, hospitality professionals have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The ANCHORS embody this spirit. Each nominee and honoree represents more than personal achievement—they symbolize the strength and perseverance of an entire community that continues to adapt, innovate, and thrive.
The 2025 ceremony will recognize excellence in a wide range of categories. From Emerging Leader of the Year to Chef of the Year and Hotel of the Year, each award highlights the breadth of talent powering our industry. Other honors—such as the Arthur Robbins’ Community Service Award and the Hospitality Champion of the Year—celebrate individuals and organizations whose influence reaches beyond the workplace and into our communities. Newer category, must-See Attraction of the Year, reflect the evolving ways we engage with audiences and showcase Rhode Island’s one-of-a-kind experiences.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the ANCHORS is the recognition of individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. From food service employees and hotel staff to tourism professionals, these dedicated individuals shape the guest experience and define what hospitality in Rhode Island truly means. By celebrating their contributions alongside those of business leaders and executives, we ensure that the full spectrum of excellence across our industry is acknowledged.
The ANCHORS are not only about honoring today’s achievements—they also serve as an investment in tomorrow. Hospitality is one of Rhode Island’s most vital industries, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and serving as a cornerstone of our economy. Recognizing outstanding performance strengthens our workforce pipeline by inspiring others to pursue careers in hospitality and demonstrating what is possible with passion and commitment.
As January approaches, anticipation is building. The 2025 ANCHORS will celebrate extraordinary individuals and organizations whose accomplishments inspire us all, elevate our industry, and leave a lasting impact on Rhode Island. At RIHA, we are proud to host this evening of celebration and recognition. On January 14, we will gather not only to applaud achievements but also to honor the spirit, resilience, and future of Rhode Island’s hospitality community.
To learn more about the ANCHORS and how you can support this statewide celebration, visit www.RIHospitality.org.