Hospitality

AAA Southern New England projects a 1.2 percent increase in Memorial Day travel, but says Americans will stay closer to home to save money. May 17

PROVIDENCE – A bill that would bar people under the age of 21 from entering nightclubs where alcohol is being served was scheduled for a hearing last week before the House Judiciary Committee. May 5

Everyone who follows the wedding and events industries – or celebrity news – knows that Bryan Rafanelli, founder of Rafanelli Events, in Boston, is the man who managed to get Chelsea Clinton’s wedding off without a hitch. May 5

Laurie Z. Stroll was recently appointed chairwoman of the DMC Network LLC, a consortium of 26 destination-management companies in North America. Stroll is the president and owner of Newport Hospitality Inc. She has been with Newport Hospitality for 20 years. Stroll also served as a board member for the Rhode Island Hospitality Association for nine years. She holds a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Apr 28

Even in the most difficult economic times there are businesses that thrive. What’s their secret? Loyal customers, dedicated staff and quality products and services are typical common denominators. Apr 28

Restaurant Row is under attack by seemingly the last group of people they would suspect. In its all-consuming zeal for revenue, the governor and General Assembly have in their sights one of the few flourishing industries in the state. Apr 28

(Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series of stories that will feature the companies and industries creating jobs in the region.) Apr 28

The Sportsman’s Inn, a long-standing adult entertainment venue and hotel on Fountain Street, was sold Friday to a group of investors who intend to convert the four-story brick building into a boutique hotel, real estate broker Peter M. Scotti said. Apr 20

Where group travel goes, so does the economy. Apr 14

Kevin Millonzi, owner of Millonzi’s Bar and Grille in West Warwick, is always on the lookout for good cooks, but finding professional kitchen talent can be as challenging as making a quality Hollandaise. Apr 14