Triple T Hospitality, the family-owned group behind Tommy’s Tavern + Tap and Tio Taco + Tequila, will receive the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s Restaurateur of the Year Award at its 2026 Awards Ceremony, Nov. 5, at John Henry’s Stone Terrace in Hamilton.
Jeanne Cretella, co-founder of By Landmark, will receive the Deborah (Roy) Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award for building a hospitality company with a growing portfolio of restaurants and venues across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. And Crystal Springs Resort will be named Hotelier of the Year, recognized for its investment in New Jersey tourism and guest experience.
NJRHA CEO Daniel Klim said the honorees match the mission and the vision of their sector.
“New Jersey’s hospitality industry is strengthened by leaders who are willing to invest in its growth, champion its people and help move it forward,” he said. “This year’s honorees have each made a meaningful and lasting contribution — through the businesses they have built, the opportunities they have created and the leadership they have shown.”
The event marks the organization’s 41st annual awards program. NJRHA Chairman Denise Beckson pointed to the relationships underlying the industry’s success.
“Hospitality is built on relationships, hard work, and a genuine commitment to serving others,” she said. “These qualities shine through this year’s honorees — in how they lead, uplift their teams, and strengthen their communities.”
The full list of announced honorees:
Restaurateur of the Year: Triple T Hospitality, recognized for its growth and expanding footprint across the state.
Deborah (Roy) Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeanne Cretella, By Landmark.
Hospitality Award: Steve Sanders, Sea Breeze Syrups, recognized for his longstanding service to the industry and work creating opportunities for young people entering the hospitality workforce.
Friend of the Industry: State Sen. Vin Gopal (D), recognized for his support of the restaurant and hospitality community and engagement with operators on industry issues.
Hotelier of the Year: Crystal Springs Resort.
Attraction of the Year: Adventure Aquarium, recognized as one of the state’s premier tourism destinations.
Community Impact Award: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, recognized for its work addressing hunger and food insecurity in the Trenton region.
The organization will also let the public weigh in on one category this year: Executive Chef of the Year will be determined by public vote, with finalists and voting details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the ceremony are available here.
