About Us
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) was formed in 1982 with the merger of the Rhode Island Restaurant Association and the Rhode Island Hotel Association. With over 500 foodservice and hospitality members in Rhode Island alone, RIHA has been the voice of the hospitality and foodservice industries in the state for the past twenty years.

Committment
The competitive business environment of the 21st century places many obstacles in front of the average business owner. The challenges of this fast-paced business society consumes the time and resources of most hospitality and foodservice owners. We at RIHA are committed to providing the vision, leadership, legislative support, and educational resources to business owners and managers as well as providing the competitive edge required in today's ever-changing economy.

Partnerships
RIHA has strong partnerships with the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association. In maintaining these partnerships, RIHA provides members with the support and professionalism that ensures industry growth. In addition, RIHA's partners provide many benefits to our members, including discounts and educational services needed to help keep the hospitality and foodservice industries running smoothly.

"Members should consider us as additional support staff to their operation. Whether they have a legal question or broken machinery, we want to be their first phonecall. I want them to hang up the phone, get back to serving their customers and we'll handle the legwork and research for them. Our primary focus is to help small hospitality and tourism businesses stay in business and be profitable." Heather Singleton, VP of Operations                           Rhode Island Hospitality Association

Education Foundation

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association has made a serious commitment to the education of future professionals in the hospitality and foodservice industries with a strong Education Foundation.

The Education Foundation was formed to encourage individuals to embark on a career in the foodservice and hospitality industries in the state of Rhode Island.

In the eight short years that the Education Foundation has been in existence, it has shown tremendous growth in the field by way of strong education initiatives with the help of customer service and food safety training programs.

Our Mission
As the official trade group of the foodservice, lodging, restaurant, and tourism industries, the Rhode Island Hospitality Association was formed to develop and provide programs, services, and support to our members by protecting their interests, promoting industry partnerships, and providing education and leadership.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association Education Foundation, a non-profit Rhode Island corporation, was formed to encourage those pursuing a career in the foodservice or hospitality industries in Rhode Island. Offering scholarships, grants, endowments, foodservice and hospitality management course curriculum and other associated activities, the program has grown dramatically. The Education Foundation relies on the support and partnership of vocational schools, colleges and other educational settings, to promote the education and understanding of available foodservice and hospitality careers.