DURHAM, N.C. (August 5, 2025) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the driving force behind North Carolina’s $35.8 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industries, announced the winners of the ninth annual NCRLA Chef Showdown, presented by Got to Be NC, on Monday, …
The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Names Allen Thomas as Incoming President & CEO
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) announced today that Allen Thomas has been unanimously selected by its Board of Directors as the association’s next President & CEO, following an extensive national search. Thomas will assume his new role on …
NCRLA Foundation Awards $37,500 in Scholarships to Future Hospitality Leaders
RALEIGH, N.C. — The NCRLA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA), proudly announces the recipients of its 2025–2026 scholarships. Twelve students across North Carolina have been selected for their dedication to pursuing …
North Carolina Businesses Urge Passage of House Bill 650 to End Unfair Swipe Fees on Sales Tax
RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA) are calling on state lawmakers to pass House Bill 650—a commonsense measure that would end the practice of charging credit card "swipe fees" on sales taxes that …
NCRLA Announces Top 10 Teams Advancing to Regional Rounds of 2025 Chef Showdown Mixology Competition
RALEIGH, N.C. — After two spirited preliminary rounds of the 2025 NCRLA Chef Showdown Mixology Competition held in April, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) has announced the 10 teams advancing to the regional round of competition. From an initial field of 17 teams, …
Hurricane Emergency Response Toolkit
The approach of hurricane season has prompted North Carolinians to prepare for its potential impacts in the coming months. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause significant damage and flooding in coastal areas, and beyond. The below information and best practices will help hoteliers and …
NCRLA Urges Southport Leaders to Rethink Regressive Meals Tax
RALEIGH, NC (March 18, 2024) — The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) has expressed firm opposition to the City of Southport’s request to impose a 1% prepared food and beverage tax. In a letter sent to the Southport Board of Aldermen, NCRLA warned that the proposal would …
Asheville and Cary High Schools Advance to the 2025 National ProStart Invitational
DURHAM, NC (March 14, 2024) – Earlier this month, 12 teams of high-schoolers from nine high schools in North Carolina put their culinary and management skills to the test at the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Foundation’s (NCRLAF) annual North Carolina ProStart Invitational …
Reflecting on Five Years Since COVID-19
Our Industry's Resilience and Recovery This month marks a solemn yet significant milestone – five years since our restaurants and hotels faced unprecedented closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we reflect on this anniversary, we am filled with immense pride in how our industry demonstrated …
