RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2021) – The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) announced today the elected officials for its 2021 Board of Directors. Nishith “Nish” Patel, president of Beacon Investment Management Group, a Charlotte-based hotel management company that develops and operates hotels in the southeastern United States, will serve as board chair for a one-year term.
Lynn Minges, president and CEO of NCRLA, is confident the organization’s new board officers will provide the critical leadership necessary to ensure the restaurant and lodging industry’s recovery and revival after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s chair, Nish Patel, brings years of experience and passion for our industry to his new role,” said Minges. “His first-hand knowledge and dedication will provide valuable insights that will help the association navigate the challenges our industry faces.”
NCRLA’s board consists of up to 25 directors, representing restaurants, lodging properties and allied partners. These volunteer leaders provide strategic guidance and policy development to NCRLA as it works to advance and protect the North Carolina hospitality industry.
2021 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
- Nishith “Nish” Patel, Chair, Beacon IMG, Inc.
- Amber Moshakos, Vice Chair, LM Restaurants
- Tom Pashley, Secretary, Pinehurst Resort
- Burney Jennings, Treasurer, Biscuitville Fresh Southern
- Jim Beley, NC Travel & Tourism Board Liaison, The Umstead Hotel & Spa
- Lance Trenary, National Restaurant Association Liaison, Golden Corral Corporation
- Steve Thanhauser, Immediate Past Chair, Angus Barn Ltd.
Members
- Patrick Aiello, Ecolab
- Andy Clark, US Foods
- Sheri Erhart, CMC Hotels
- Dan Freeland, Concord Hospitality Enterprises
- Phil Friedman, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
- Tim Goss, Firehouse Subs
- Doris Huebner, F & D Huebner, LLC
- Russ Jones, Davidson & Jones
- Scott Maitland, Top of the Hill Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery
- Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort
- Akshat Patel (non-voting), AAHOA NC Regional Director
- Shaunak Patel, Parks Hospitality Group
- Gonza Salamanca, Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
- Tom Sasser, Burke Hospitality Group
- Ian Sauer, Summit Hospitality Group, LTD
- Billy Sewell, Platinum Corral, LLC
- Jason Smith, 18 Restaurant Group
- Doug Stafford, Griffin Stafford Hospitality, LLC
- CharlesThompson, The Inn on Biltmore Estate
- John Winkenwerder, South Asheville Hotel Associates, LLC
2021 Government Affairs Co-Chairs
- Vinay Patel, SREE Hotels, LLC
- Jason Smith, 18 Restaurant Group
For more information about the 2021 NCRLA Board of Directors, visit www.ncrla.org/leadership.
About NCRLA
The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association serves to advance and protect the interests of more than 20,000 businesses that employ 11 percent of the state’s workforce and generate more than $27.3 billion in sales annually. www.ncrla.org
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