Introducing the 2026 CRHA & CHEF Board of Directors
Meet the 2026 Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association & Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation Board of Directors
Earlier this year, the Connecticut Restaurant Association announced its expansion and rebrand as the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA).
This strategic evolution marks a new era for the state’s hospitality ecosystem, bringing local restaurants, bars, caterers, and lodging partners under one unified banner in order to better support and grow a hospitality industry that contributes more than $1.5 billion in annual state taxes and nearly $21 Billion in economic impact on the state of Connecticut.
As part of the expansion, the association has increased its Board of Directors from 25 to 35 seats, integrating seven new lodging-specific members to ensure diverse representation across the hospitality spectrum. Meet the 2026 Board of Directors for the CRHA, and its 501(c)3, the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation.
A Note from CRHA’s New Chairman:
Scott Miller
Chief Operating Officer & Partner, DORO Restaurant Group
Dear Members of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association,
I am truly honored to formally named to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.
After more than 30 years working in this industry, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges, the resilience, and the incredible sense of community that defines hospitality. Those experiences have shaped my leadership approach and prepared me for this role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me.
I have long admired the work of the CRHA and its mission to support both our industry and the communities we serve. I am fully committed to dedicating the time, energy, and effort necessary to help advance our strategic goals and ensure our members continue to have a strong, unified voice.
I look forward to leading the Board, fostering collaboration among our members, and supporting the important initiatives already underway. Together, I’m confident we can continue to strengthen Connecticut’s hospitality industry and position it for long-term success.
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m excited for the work ahead.
Warm regards,
Scott Miller
DORO Restaurant Group
Chairman, Board of Directors
Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association
Welcome New Executive Committee Member
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Amanda Arling Amanda Arling is President of Heidenreich Hospitality Group, where she leads The Whaler's Inn, The Shipwright's Daughter, and Mystic Fish Camp. A dedicated industry and community leader, she serves with Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, New England Inns & Resorts Association, and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, bringing a perspective shaped by years designing luxury travel experiences and a passion for mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders. |
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Welcome New CRHA Board Members
After attending the hotel administration program at UMass, Lou was recruited by hotel powerhouses across the US, from Stouffer Hotels, to Loews - where he opened the first Hard Rock Hotel, in Orlando - to Wit Hotels. From there, Lou established Distinctive Hospitality Group (DHG), an ownership and management company with hotels in MA & CT. |
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Adam Halberg has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Barcelona Restaurant Group, comprising Barcelona Wine Bar and Corsica Wine Bar, since 2019. Prior, Adam has held various positions with Barcelona and bartaco over more than 18 years, including Culinary Director, VP Operations and Brand President. Adam’s restaurant career began in the kitchen; he served as a Chef, overseeing culinary teams for multiple James Beard Award winners in the Northeast. |
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Jason L’Italien is the owner and operator of the Brushmill by the Waterfall in Chester. Before opening the Brushmill, he had worked in both large corporate environments to mom and pop shops doing everything from washing dishes to multi unit operations. Since opening the Brushmill and cultivating their award winning wine list, Jason has found himself on a journey to experience fantastic wines from all over the world. Jason is a proud and vocal alumni of Providence College. |
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Grecia Ludeña is the co-owner and operator of Coracora, a family-run Peruvian restaurant in West Hartford. A native of Coracora, Peru, she moved to the US in 2010, and under her leadership, Coracora has become one of Connecticut’s most celebrated restaurants, earning three consecutive James Beard Outstanding Restaurant semifinalist honors and winning two 2023 CRAZIES Awards. Grecia brings a strong voice for independent and immigrant-owned restaurants, focusing on advocacy, workforce development, and policies that strengthen small businesses. |
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Wayne McLellan is a seasoned hospitality leader with more than two decades of experience in hotel operations, organizational leadership, and industry advocacy. He served on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association for several years, most recently as Chapter President of the Northeast Florida Chapter and as a Director on the State Board of Directors, and is excited to serve on the Connecticut Restaurant and Hospitality Association board. |
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Michelle Nicholson is the owner and founder of The Flour Girl Bakery and Cafe in Hebron, CT. It all started with her teaching herself how to make sourdough. Today, the business spans a four-building campus including a bakery, cafe, country store, and event space. Nicholson has made a large impact on the small business community through her community centered actions. Last year, she was named Connecticut’s Small Business Person of the Year, as well as being named on the 40 under 40 list by the Hartford Business Journal. |
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Chris Sexton is a long time Connecticut resident. In 2015, he helped his long time friend Cody Sperry open the barbecue restaurant Hoodoo Brown BBQ in their hometown of Ridgefield, CT. In the last ten years Hoodoo Brown has taken them across the country cooking at barbecue festivals and events. Chris is looking to help the CHRA grow and help an organization that was always helpful to him. |
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Henry Tessman is a seasoned hospitality leader with a career spanning over three decades across food & beverage, sales, and hotel operations. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he has held leadership roles with major brands including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Hilton. He joined Great Wolf Lodge in 2014, and lead the opening of the Mashantucket resort, which includes 549 rooms, waterpark, adventure park, retail and restaurants. |
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Dan Webster is the Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Mohegan Sun, where, with over 30 years of experience, he provides executive oversight and strategic direction for resort‑wide operations at one of the region’s premier integrated entertainment destinations. With a background that spans engineering and resort leadership, Dan brings a results-driven approach to large-scale operations while supporting an exceptional guest and team member experience. |
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Adam is a hospitality leader whose passion for the industry began at age seven and evolved into a career spanning every front-of-house role before committing full-time after earning a degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University. For the past 15 years, he has served as Managing Partner of Z Hospitality, leading the development and operation of multiple family-owned restaurant concepts with a disciplined, guest-focused approach to team building and long-term success. |
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Welcome New CHEF Board Member
Bryan has spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry, helping improve restaurant operations, build team relationships and better guest experience. Bryan is the VP of Hartford Restaurant Group, where he supports 11 locations. He worked his way up through just about every role in the building, and that hands-on journey has shaped how he leads—collaborative, approachable, and grounded in accountability and teamwork. |
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Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association Executive Committee
Chair
Scott Miller
DORO Restaurant Group
Immediate Past Chair
Keith Beaulieu
The Main Pub
Vice Chair
Doug Polistena
The Amber Room Colonnade
Treasurer
Philip Barnett
Hartford Restaurant Group
Secretary
Christina Fitzgerald
Bar Bouchée
Legislative Committee Co-Chairs
Daniel Meiser
85th Day Food Community
Amanda Arling
The Whaler’s Inn
Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association Directors at Large
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Steven Abrams Timothy Adams AJ Aurrichio Lou Carrier Adam Halberg Bryce Hardy Jason Guyot Jonathan Jennings Jason Litalien Grecia Ludena Michael Marchetti Wayne McLellen |
Michelle Nicholson Ryan O’Donnell Brian Phelps Chris Sexton Don Stevens Matt Storch Stephen Tagliatela Henry Tessman Luke Venner Dan Webster Helmar Wolf Adam Zakka |
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation Executive Committee
Chair
Ben Dubow
Forge City Works
Vice Chair
Keith Beaulieu
The Main Pub
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation Directors at Large
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Louise Albin Tyler Anderson Bryan Demers Christopher Gentile Jan Jones |
Daniel Meiser Scott Miller David Rutigliano Roshara Sanders |