Press

On November 28, 2016, the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) will honor the State's best and brightest along with their friends, family, business associates and peers at the 2016 NJRHA Annual Award's Gala to be held at the Liberty House in Jersey City. This year's recipients are:

Restaurateur of the Year

Tim McLoone - McLoone's Restaurants

Gold Plate Award

The Kunisch Family

Paul Dillon, Assoc Dean of Business, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

"Tim is a former Harvard graduate and an excellent restaurateur who has worked hard to get where he is today. His passion for his business is only surpassed by his passion for philanthropy. Over the years the company's annual Holiday Express program has donated millions of dollars worth of food, time and money to the less fortunate in their communities," said Marilou Halvorsen, President of the NJRHA, "This award is a well-deserved honor that Tim definitely deserves," she added.

The Kunisch family has been active in the restaurant business for over 80 years. The current, fourth-generation owners continue the tradition of hospitality and community support started by their great-grandmother in 1935. They are supportive of a number of local causes and continue to make a significant impact on Sacred Heart School in Jersey City. The inner-city school has been helping underprivileged children for over 100 years. In addition, the Kunisch family assists the Mahwah Marine Moms in sending care packages to our overseas troops, and the Rose Foundation of Haiti, who's primary mission is continuing support for victims of the 2010 earthquake.

Paul Dillon, Associate Dean of Business, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management is personally involved in educating our next generation of hospitality industry executives. Through his many efforts, he supports the New Jersey Restaurant Education Foundation with his endless time and talents.

The Annual Awards Gala, a black tie event created to honor the winners and celebrate the restaurant and hospitality industry, is traditionally held the Monday evening after Thanksgiving and hosts approximately 350 people.

For more information on the awards, recipients or how to sponsor or attend the Gala, please contact Karen Geisel at 609-599-3316 or [email protected].