Talk Hospitality To Me

On this episode of #RIHospitality Podcast Heather Singleton, Chief Operating Officer for RI Hospitality Association, discusses the many factors affecting the unemployment crisis that restaurants and hotels are facing as things open back up.  She also reminds us of, “what’s new & good”:  Starting May 7th, capacity limits start to lift, Mother’s Day weekend is here, and things are starting to look up for the industry.

Tony Fonseca is the Co-Owner/Co-Operator of Packaging & More.  In this episode, Tony explains the trickle-down effect that the Covid-19 regulations and restrictions have had on manufacturing and how that relates to hotels and restaurants.  He connects the dots between social distancing in manufacturing plants and the future of menu pricing.   

In this episode we hear from Dale Venturini, President/CEO of RI Hospitality Association.  Dale unpacks Governor McKee’s 4/22 announcement on re-opening RI and explains the behind the scenes work that went into the big announcement.  She also discusses the exciting weeks ahead and what RIHA is doing to lead the industry in reopening from education to staffing to consumer confidence.  

Cathy Feeney is Chief of the Center for Food Protection within the Rhode Island Department of Health.  On this episode of #RIHospitality, Cathy discusses the major adjustments that have been made over the past year and how they will change the future of the Department of Health.

On this episode of #RIHospitality, Matt Weldon, the Department of Labor and Training's acting Director, discusses the volume of RI unemployment insurance claims and how his team had to adjust to serve unemployed Rhode Islanders in 2020-2021.

Jessica Willi, Executive Director of the Block Island Tourism Council discusses her mission to attract visitor spending that results in sustainable and significant economic and quality of life benefits for Block Island.

In this episode we hear from Kristen Adamo, President/CEO of the Providence Warwick & Visitors Bureau who discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on our meetings and convention business along with her hopes for the future of this industry sector.

Listen to Sam Glynn, Owner/Operator of Chomp Kitchen & Drinks in Warren and Providence as he talks about opening up a second location in the middle of a pandemic.  Sam shares his experience, changes he and his team  made along the way, and his thoughts on building his leadership team.

Providence Marriott Hotel General Manager Farouk Rajab discusses operating a signature hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic, what it meant for him to lead Rhode Island's hospitality industry over the past year and what he's most proud of.

National Restaurant Association Chairman - Brian Casey