NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association Hosted 'Dining Downtown'

The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA) recently hosted “Dining Downtown” at the Lambertville Inn in Lambertville – its first in-person member event since the start of the pandemic.

The celebration of food and fellowship was created and executed by NJRHA’s new President and CEO Dana Lancellotti and the NJRHA team, who wanted to offer industry members and partners the opportunity to reignite conversations and rekindle camaraderie after being apart during the pandemic.

“The idea was to bring our members together face-to-face in a safe and beautiful setting, share best practices and learn how each has dealt with the many challenges the last year has brought to our industry,” said Lancellotti.

Esteemed speakers included hotelier Bhavesh Patel, NJRHA’s chairman; Ken Greene, interim president and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA); and William “Chip” Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, who each spoke on past and upcoming challenges and praised those in attendance for continuing to stay positive and remaining flexible during these demanding months.

Thanks to a partnership between the National Restaurant Association and BMI, the world-famous music rights management company, entertainment was provided by singer/songwriter Chris Barron, frontman of the Spin Doctors, who performed two songs unplugged.

NJRHA partner Door Dash was among the sponsors of the event, while North Jersey’s famed Calandra’s Bakery provided its renowned breads and pastries for guests to enjoy. An array of other vendors were able to meet with statewide hotel and restaurant owners, making the event a valuable way to connect the industry with one another.

Lancellotti was happy to see members and partners together in the room, many of whom drove up to two hours to attend. The association typically hosts vibrant events and legislative roundtables throughout the year. They hope to expand the Dining Downtown concept and also revive their popular annual engagements in the future. Up next, they are excited to host the return of NJRHA’s annual gala, their most elegant occasion of the year, which will take place Dec. 6, at The Merion in Cinnaminson. This event will be a grand holiday celebration of hospitality at its best. Tickets and sponsorships will be available for purchase in September. Please contact alisa@njrha.org for more information.

About New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association
New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA) was founded in 1942 to support, educate and advocate on behalf of the hospitality industry throughout the state. Representing over 25,000 foodservice establishments and 350,000 employees, NJRHA represents the state’s largest private-sector employer and generates $18.1 billion in tax revenue for the state. Visit www.njrha.org.