NCRLA’s Stars Crowned at Annual Industry Awards

NCRLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards celebrated more than a dozen standout industry professionals
Annual Award Ceremony Distinguishes North Carolina’s Top Hospitality Leaders

Raleigh, N.C. (Feb. 19, 2019) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the voice of North Carolina’s $23 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, hosted the 2019 Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony last night at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, the premier AAA Four Diamond luxury inn and golf club located on the campus of Duke University in Durham.

Sixteen members of the hospitality community were recognized for their commitment to the industry. The award winners were selected based on their exemplary service, leadership, innovation and dedication to the restaurant, lodging and hospitality industries. Their commitment to the guest experience makes North Carolina a highlight for visitors from around the world and across the state.

Amongst the honorees recognized last night were Anthony Carey of The Siena Hotel, who took home Lodging Operator of the Year, and Lance Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral, who took home Restauranteur of the Year. Leaders like Carey and Trenary have dedicated themselves to advancing the hospitality experience in the state and have set the tone for their colleagues with their work ethic and commitment to the industry.

“Each year, we host the Stars of the Industry banquet as a thank you to members of the hospitality industry that have demonstrated exemplary performance and dedication,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges. “We are proud to recognize members who continue to stand out amongst their peers and truly advance the mission of our organization.”

The evening’s emcees were Max Trujillo and Matt Weiss of the NC Food & Beverage Podcast. Dinner and desserts are provided by the presenting sponsor, Sysco/FreshPoint, host sponsor, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, platinum sponsor Butterball and gold sponsor, US Foods.

The 2019 NCRLA Stars of the Industry Award recipients include:

Lodging Operator of the Year
Anthony Carey, The Siena Hotel (Chapel Hill, NC)
Restaurateur of the Year
Lance Trenary, Golden Corral (Raleigh, NC)
Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community
Buddy Bengel, Bengel Hospitality (New Bern, NC)
Dean Ogan, Rocky Top Catering (Raleigh, NC)
Griff & June Glover Award for Distinguished Service
Mike Martino, Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center (Durham, NC)
Lodging Manager of the Year
Robert Foster, Biltmore Farms Hotels (Asheville, NC)
Lodging Employee of the Year
Solida Richmond, Burke Manor Inn & Pavilion (Gibsonville, NC)
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Megan Bailey, Carolina Ale House (Wilmington, NC)
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Vinnie Delillo, Mama Ricotta’s (Charlotte, NC)
Restaurant Employee of the Year
Phillip Gomes, Winston’s Grille (Raleigh, NC)
Hospitality Supplier of the Year
Scott Meltzer, Ecolab (Raleigh, NC)
Hospitality Champions
Senator Dan Blue (Raleigh, NC)
Representative Chuck McGrady (Hendersonville, NC)
2018 NCRLA Chef of the Year
Travis Myers, Willow’s Bistro (Winston-Salem, NC)
2018 NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year
Miranda Brown, The Asbury (Charlotte, NC)
2018 NCRLA Mixologist of the Year
Joe Nicol of The Times at S&W, representing Fainting Goat Spirits (Asheville, NC)

For more information about the NCRLA 2019 Stars of the Industry Awards, visit www.ncrla.org/stars. Additional photos are available upon request.

About NCRLA
Established in 1947, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) works to advance and protect North Carolina’s $23 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. The association provides access to the resources and support restaurant and lodging professionals need to lead thriving businesses, while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit www.ncrla.org.

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Media Contacts:
Jen Caro
Largemouth Communications
jennifer@largemouthpr.com
919.459.6456

Margo Metzger
North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
mmetzger@ncrla.org
919.747.2205