Our People are the True ANCHORS of the Hospitality Industry - February 2026

By Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality

Each year, we gather to recognize excellence in hospitality, and it is easy to focus on the awards itself. But what truly matters is what this recognition represents - a continued affirmation that it is our people that make hospitality such a successful, vibrant and viable industry. This year’s ANCHORS awards offered a clear reminder that hospitality in Rhode Island is built on people, purpose, and pathways that extend far beyond a single evening.

Last year, we debuted the ANCHORS - a reimagined version of our annual stars of the industry event, and it changed in more than just name. The new concept reflects the full scope of our hospitality community, not just membership and the majority of the awards are voted on by the public. With record engagement from the public and a room filled with professionals representing every corner of the industry, the event captured something deeper than celebration. It captured momentum. From educators and students to longtime employees, operators, and emerging leaders, the evening highlighted how interconnected our industry truly is.

At the center of that connection is workforce capital. Hospitality careers are often misunderstood as short-term or transitional, yet the stories shared at the ANCHORS told something  very different. They reflected careers built over decades, businesses that prioritize growth from within, and individuals who have chosen hospitality not as a steppingstone, but as a profession.

That message was especially clear in the recognition of Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns’ legacy employees who have dedicated more than 20 years to the organization. Their story is not just one of longevity, but of commitment and shared growth. When people choose to stay with one organization for decades, or even generations, it reflects something meaningful. It demonstrates that when employees are supported, trained, and truly valued, hospitality can be a sustainable career with real opportunities for growth and advancement.

Education also played a central role in this year’s ANCHORS, reinforcing how critical access, training, and preparation are to the future of hospitality. Recognizing educators and students alongside industry leaders underscored the importance of building strong bridges between the classroom and the workplace. Our partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island, including the rapid launch of culinary and hospitality programming at the Newport campus, reflects an expansion of that commitment. These programs are designed with real-world outcomes in mind, helping students gain skills that lead directly to employment and long-term career growth.

For the hospitality industry, education is not a separate conversation. It is foundational. As workforce needs evolve, so must our approach to training, credentialing, and career development. The ANCHORS reinforced that investing in people early creates stronger businesses and a more resilient industry overall.

Recognition itself plays an important role in retention. When people feel seen and appreciated, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their work. The ANCHORS serve as a reminder that acknowledging excellence strengthens pride and professionalism across the industry. It also helps change perceptions. For families, students, and community leaders, seeing hospitality recognized at this level reinforces that these careers are meaningful, skilled, and essential to our state.

This year’s awards also reflected how hospitality continues to evolve. Categories recognizing community impact, digital storytelling, and emerging leadership speak to the changing ways businesses connect with guests and communities. As expectations shift, so does the definition of excellence. Embracing that evolution allows the hospitality industry to remain relevant and competitive.

Hospitality does not thrive in isolation. It is an ecosystem of restaurants, hotels, attractions, educators, workforce partners, and communities working together to create experiences that define Rhode Island. The ANCHORS highlighted what is possible when those connections are strong.

As we look ahead, the takeaway from this year’s ANCHORS is simple. The future of hospitality depends on continued investment in people, education, and opportunity. By recognizing talent, supporting career pathways, and valuing the individuals who power this industry every day, we help ensure that hospitality in Rhode Island remains vibrant, resilient, and ready for what comes next.