New Jersey voters have elected Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to serve as the next Governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican candidate and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.

 

All 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly were also on the ballot this year, with Democrats further expanding their majority in the Assembly by picking up at least three seats.

 

Speaker Craig Coughlin was selected by his peers to serve a fifth term as Speaker of the Assembly. Majority Leader Louis Greenwald will also return to the same position.

 

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio will hold his leadership position.

 

As the new Administration prepares to take office, the NJRHA looks forward to working collaboratively with Governor-elect Sherrill and legislative leaders on policies that strengthen New Jersey’s restaurant, hospitality and tourism industries.

 

Learn more about Governor-elect Sherrill here.

Single-Use Utensil Ban

Bill Scheduled for a Vote

The Senate Budget Committee is schedule to vote on S3195 – a bill that would prohibit food service businesses from automatically providing single-use utensils and condiments, allowing them only upon customer request – next Thursday, November 13.

 

The legislation, which has been up for discussion in committee meetings earlier this year, would also require restaurants offering on-site dining to provide reusable, washable utensils for dine-in service.

 

The NJRHA understands and supports the intent of the legislation to reduce waste. However, we are seeking amendments to ensure it can be implemented effectively and safely across the industry while ensuring regulatory consistency statewide by preempting conflicting ordinances.

 

NJRHA’s amendment requests aim to bring all single-use items – including utensils, condiments and straws – under a uniform statewide standard consistent with prior legislation, such as the straw ban.

NJRHA Awards Ceremony Honors Florio, Industry Leaders

The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association marked a milestone moment on Wednesday, hosting its 40th Awards Ceremony at the iconic Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station.

 

The sold-out celebration drew hundreds of industry leaders, supporters, and advocates from across the state for an evening that blended laughter, recognition, and heartfelt gratitude.

 

This year’s honorees included:

• Friend of the Industry – Dale Florio, Princeton Public Affairs Group

• Restaurateur of the Year – The Kunisch Family, Mahwah Bar & Grill and Allendale Bar & Grill

• Hotelier of the Year – Eustace Mita Jr., ICONA Resorts

• Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Perro, PJ Whelihan’s

• Hospitality Award – Marilou Halvorsen, American Hotel & Lodging Association

• Community Impact Award – Chef Jesse Jones, Private Chef, Author and Mentor

• Executive Chef of the Year – Chef Jason Hanin, The Ebbitt Room, Cape May

State of the Industry Survey

The National Restaurant Association has started working on its 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report and wants to hear from you!

 

The information will be used to show restaurant industry members and policymakers how current conditions are impacting, and will continue to affect, the way restaurants operate.

 

Take the survey now!