Restaurateur Named to Hospitality Group Board

Bill Dessel, the owner of Billy’s Restaurant in Barrington, has been named to the board of directors of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.

Dessel brings a wealth of experience to the board, according to the hospitality association.

“We are pleased to welcome Bill to our board of directors,” said Dale J. Venturini, president and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association.  “His experience will be invaluable assets to the board and I look forward to collaborating with him and fellow board members.”

Billy’s Restaurant is an upscale American bistro that opened its doors in 2009. Dessel also opened last summer a mobile extension to the restaurant, Little Billy’s gourmet food truck, which serves the East Bay and Providence year-round.

Before opening Billy’s, Dessel spent 10 years in ownership and senior management positions in manufacturing and distribution, most recently as managing director for Fathead, LLC.

He was also the president of Cowan Plastics and American Assembly, which provides products for Titleist, Oral B, Gillette, Boston Scientific and Mosquito Magnet.

Dessel also has been a corporate development manager at Cookson Group, PLC.