DURHAM, N.C. (February 24, 2026) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the unifying voice of North Carolina’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, proudly celebrated the very best of hospitality at its annual Stars of the Industry Awards, held last night at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham.
The event honored 20 outstanding individuals and organizations across 10 award categories, recognizing exceptional leadership, service and commitment to excellence within North Carolina’s hospitality industry.
“Our industry is built on people—leaders, teams and innovators who show up every day to serve their communities and create meaningful experiences,” said Allen Thomas, president and CEO of NCRLA. “The 2026 Stars of the Industry honorees represent the very best of hospitality in North Carolina, and we are proud to recognize their impact, resilience and dedication to moving our industry forward.”
Prior to the awards ceremony, NCRLA hosted an exclusive VIP reception recognizing representatives from the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South, marking a historic milestone for North Carolina and the region’s culinary community. The evening’s celebration was emceed by David Crabtree of PBS North Carolina, whose long-standing connection to the state and its communities brought warmth and distinction to the program.
Among this year’s honorees were Sen. Brad Overcash and Rep. John Bell IV, who received the Hospitality Champion Award for their steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of North Carolina’s restaurant and lodging businesses.
Several awards also recognized outstanding service to the community and to NCRLA, including:
- Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community
- Ashley and Red Harrell, owners of Birdies and Gaffer’s, Emerald Isle
- Dean Neff, Owner/Chef, Seabird, Wilmington
- Griff and June Glover Award for Service to NCRLA
- Joshua Vukelich, Kitchen Guard, Greensboro
- Hospitality Supplier of the Year
- Chris Pence, Haand Pottery, Burlington
- Restaurateurs of the Year
- William Dissen, The Market Place, Asheville
- Christopher Prieto, Prime Barbecue, Knightdale
- Lodging Operators of the Year
- Brenda Durden, Asheville Hotel Group, Asheville
- Christophe Le Chatton, The Ballantyne Hotel, Charlotte
- Restaurant Managers of the Year
- Pearl Greenway, BISCUITVILE Fresh Southern, Graham
- Laura Ray, The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary
- Restaurant Employees of the Year
- Charles Tolo, Parizade, Durham
- Christopher Lovegood, Parks Hospitality Group, Asheville
- Lodging Managers of the Year
- Ashley Tjaden, SREE Hotels, Charlotte
- Hannah Talbott, The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge, Raleigh
- Margarita Hernández, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Cary
- Lodging Employees of the Year
- Carlos Bacugan, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham
- Anderson Owens, The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary
- Thomas Barton, Parks Hospitality Group, Asheville
The evening’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor: US Foods
- Gold Sponsor: Capital Games
- Silver Sponsors: Ecolab, Sysco
- Born in the Carolinas Sponsor: Pepsi Bottling Ventures
- VIP Reception Sponsors: Visit NC, Explore Asheville, Discover Durham, CRVA, Visit Raleigh
- Supporting Sponsors: Butterball, DoorDash, Kitchen Guard, Relay, Toast
- Carving Station Sponsor: Angus Barn
- Wine Sponsors: Shelton Vineyards, Tryon Distributing, E&J Gallo Winery
- Cocktail Sponsors: BHAWK, Crush Vodka, Weldon Mills Distillery
- Beer Sponsors: Carolina Brewery & Grill, Crank Arm Brewing, Gizmo Brew Works
- Dessert and Coffee: US Foods and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel
For more information about the 2026 NCRLA Stars of the Industry Awards, visit www.ncrla.org/stars. To view photos from the event, click here.
About NCRLA
The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) advances and protects the interests of more than 20,000 restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses that employ nearly 11 percent of North Carolina’s workforce and generate more than $35.8 billion in annual sales. Learn more at www.ncrla.org.
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Media Contact:
Victoria Moore, Largemouth Communications (on behalf of NCRLA)
vmoore@largemouthpr.com
