DURHAM, N.C. (February 25, 2025) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the unifying voice of North Carolina’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, proudly hosted its annual Stars of the Industry Awards last night. Held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, the …
North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Lynn Minges Announces Retirement at End of 2025
Raleigh, N.C. (February 24, 2025) – After 13 years successfully leading one of North Carolina’s largest and most influential trade associations, advancing and protecting all aspects of the state’s hospitality industry, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) President and CEO …
Jason Smith Elected Chair of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Board
Durham, N.C. (February 24, 2025) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) today announced the election of Jason Smith, owner of 18 Restaurant Group, as chair of its board of directors. Smith, a Raleigh native and accomplished restaurateur, was officially sworn in during …
Culinary and Mixology Experts Awarded Top Honors at 2024 NCRLA Chef Showdown
Our chefs and mixologists supported over 500 North Carolina farmers and producers using local ingredients more than 650 times. DURHAM, N.C. (August 27, 2024) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the driving force behind North Carolina’s $34.9 billion restaurant, …
NCRLA’s Serving Careers Campaign Boosted Hospitality Employment in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. — Since its launch in October 2023, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) Serving Careers campaign has made a significant impact on the state’s hospitality industry, driving employment levels to unprecedented highs. Funded by a $5 million grant from the NC …
Garinger High School Receives $5,000 Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant to Expand its Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Program
$5,000 grants can be used to enhance the classroom experience with curriculum, supplies, and equipment. RALEIGH, NC — Garinger High School in Charlotte is one of 40 high schools nationwide selected to receive a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association …
NCRLA Foundation Awards $38,500 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 2024–2025 scholarships. Thirteen students across North Carolina have been selected for their dedication to pursuing …
Asheville High School Advances to the 2024 National ProStart Competition
DURHAM, NC – Earlier this month, 10 teams of high-schoolers from six high schools in North Carolina put their culinary and management skills to the test at the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation’s (NCRLAF) annual ProStart Invitational (NCPI). Team members from …
Hospitality Standouts Recognized as NCRLA’s ‘Stars of the Industry’
NCRLA’s annual awards ceremony celebrates North Carolina’s top hospitality industry professionals. RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2024) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the voice of North Carolina’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, hosted its annual Stars of …
