RI Native Set To Lead National Restaurant Association

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- A South County restaurant owner is on track to lead a national restaurant organization by 2021. Brian Casey has been named Treasurer of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and he is set to become chairman by 2021.

Brian Casey is the president and owner of the Oak Hill Tavern and Company Picnic Co, both in North Kingstown. He is the first Rhode Islander to serve on the executive committee in its century-long history

Here in Rhode Island, Casey has twice served as chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) in both 2006 and 2007. The next year, he was named "Caterer of the Year" by the organization and in 2013, he earned the honor of "Restaurateur of the Year."

"We could not be prouder of Brian," said RIHA President and CEO Dale Venturini. “To have a local restaurant owner, steadfast industry advocate and entrepreneur on the NRA Executive Committee is truly indicative of the excellence of the hospitality industry in Rhode Island. We may be the smallest state in the Union, but thanks to the leadership of Brian and others like him, our voice is one of the strongest.”

The National Restaurant Association is a countrywide organization that aims to improve the restaurant industry through a variety of initiatives addressing building the workforce, trainings and certifications and by setting industry-wide goals.

“I am extremely honored to represent the hospitality industry in Rhode Island as the newly-appointed treasurer of the NRA Executive Committee,” Casey said. “As a lifelong resident of the state, I recognize how fortunate I am to be given this amazing opportunity, and I very much look forward to the challenge ahead.”