Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

06/17/2026

Congratulations are in order as two took home top honors at the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards! 👏🏆 Kalaya Philadelphia was named Outstanding Restaurant, one of the Foundation's highest distinctions, and Royal Sushi & Izakaya Chef Jesse Ito was named Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

The awards highlight the creativity, talent, and world-class dining experiences that continue to elevate Pennsylvania's reputation as a premier culinary destination. Bravo to all on this incredible recognition!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards presented by American Express and Resy! This year's James Beard Award winners were announced Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Find them below!

06/16/2026

Congratulations to PRLA’s 2026 Spirit of Hospitality Pittsburgh Restaurant Awards winners! 🏆

⭐ Employee of the Year — Britt Mulneix, The Harmony Inn
⭐ Manager of the Year — Shawn Dobrich, The Porch
⭐ Rising Star — Alexa Kennedy, DiAnoia's Eatery
⭐ Industry Supporter — Joey DiSalvo, Good Life Wine & Spirits
⭐ Best New Restaurant (decided by public vote) — Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh for an incredible evening celebrating the best of our industry. Your energy and passion for hospitality made the night truly special. 🥂

👏 And a huge thank you to our generous sponsors for making it all possible:
BELFOR Property Restoration | Performance Foodservice | Live Casino Pittsburgh | Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia | Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association | DiAnoia’s Eatery / Pane è Pronto / Pizzeria Davide | Euclid Fish Company

06/15/2026

🍽️ Attention Pittsburgh area hospitality employers! 🏨 Next Monday, join us at PA CareerLink Pittsburgh for a roundtable discussion to learn about the HOPES program—a proven national model, backed by the PRLA Educational Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, that connects you with pre-trained, job-ready talent while supporting successful re-entry into hospitality careers.

Good for your business. Good for your community. 🤝

📅 Monday, June 22, 2026
⏰ 1:30 – 3:00 PM
📍 PA CareerLink® Pittsburgh – Downtown Office
914 Penn Ave, Floor #6, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

RSVP today → Email PRLA Workforce Development Specialist Andrea Trubiano at: [email protected]

06/15/2026

With the FIFA World Cup, America250, MLB All-Star Game, and more big events coming to Philadelphia this summer, the City wants to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has put together a handy Quick Reference Guide with everything you need to know: urgent care locations, heat safety tips, air quality updates, mental health resources, and more.

📲 Stay informed and be prepared: https://hip.phila.gov/special-events-2026/quick-reference-guide-key-health-resources-for-special-events-this-summer/

Share this with your guests, staff, and neighbors so everyone can enjoy the summer safely! ⚽️☀️

06/10/2026

Congratulations to two of PRLAEF’s newest Apprenticeship Program graduates, who were recognized during the PRLA Board of Directors meeting on June 1! 👏

Messad Belhocine, Kitchen Manager Apprentice with Robert Ryan Catering & Design, and Gavin Oppel, Line Cook Apprentice with Kitchen Kettle Village, were honored for completing their programs and advancing their hospitality careers.

Thanks to Zach Douglass and Mary Kate Pierpoint, Professional Advancement Coordinators with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, for joining us in Harrisburg to present their apprenticeship certificates and celebrate this important milestone.

06/09/2026

We lucked out with a beautiful day on the greens at Pinecrest Lake Golf & Country Club for the 3rd annual PRLA Northeastern Chapter Disc Golf Tournament! 🥏 Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fun afternoon in support of the hospitality scholarships & educational initiatives through the PRLA Educational Foundation and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Special thanks to event sponsors:

TITLE SPONSORS: Kalahari Resorts - Poconos & Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

CORPORATE FRIENDS OF HOSPITALITY: Pat McGrath, Ecolab, Performance Foodservice

BEVERAGE SPONSORS: Senator Rosemary Brown, Barrett Economic Development, Pocono Raceway, The Pines, Family Resort at Woodloch

FOOD SPONSORS: Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Barley Creek Brewing Company

DISC GOLF BASKET SPONSORS: Barley Creek Brewing Company, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

06/08/2026

Meet the 2026 PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Pittsburgh Restaurant Awards finalists! 🏆 Who takes home the awards? Find out NEXT WEEK! Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, inspiration, and networking with Pittsburgh's best.

📅 June 15, 2026 | 5:30–9 p.m.
📍 Rivers Casino & The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh, 777 Casino Drive
🎟️ Tickets: $90/person

Grab your tickets: https://lnkd.in/gTzhCkME

2026 PRLA Pittsburgh Region Spirit of Hospitality Awards finalists:

🌟 Employee of the Year
Melissa Maffei, Talia
Kayla McGinnis, Restaurant Holdings LP (Juniper Grill, Atria's, and 1930 by Atria's)
Britt Mulneix, The Harmony Inn

🌟 Manager of the Year
Joe Balaban, Parkhurst Dining
Shawn Dobrich, The Porch
Ginger Fisher Baldwin, Balvanera
Terrilynn Halblieb, North Country Brewing Co.
Nikki Heckman, Bistro To Go Café & Catering
Jennifer Parella, Live Casino Pittsburgh

🌟 Rising Star
Melissa Burnecke, Hello Bistro
Tyler Hall, Parkhurst Dining
Alexa Kennedy, DiAnoia's Eatery
Tony Romano, Alla Famiglia
Daniel Velasquez, Space Bar
Marissa Watson, The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection (Pittsburgh)

🌟 Industry Supporter
David Conway, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh
Joseph DiSalvo, Good Life Wine & Spirits
Jeremy Jones, Performance Foodservice
Angela Mazza, Sip with Angela
Alyssa McGrath, Skurnik Wines & Spirits
Terry Moran, CA Curtze Co

🌟 Best New Restaurant/Newcomer of the Year *(public vote)*
Mailey's Provisions
Sea Monkey
Senza
Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar