NCRLA

North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Stars of the Industry 2026

Monday, February 23, 2026 | Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham, NC

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating North Carolina’s hospitality heroes at the 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards. Hosted by the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, this annual gala honors the outstanding individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership, and service elevate our state’s hospitality industry.

Each year, more than 300 hospitality professionals gather for this premier celebration recognizing excellence across restaurants, hotels, and allied businesses. The evening begins with a lively reception featuring North Carolina–inspired food and beverage trends, followed by a formal awards ceremony honoring the industry’s shining stars.

From seasoned operators and innovative chefs to passionate managers and dedicated employees, the Stars of the Industry Awards shine a spotlight on the people who make our state’s hospitality community thrive.

Mark your calendar for Monday, February 23, 2026, and join us at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham as we celebrate the best of North Carolina hospitality.

Why Nominate

The Stars of the Industry Awards offer the opportunity to recognize outstanding professionals who go above and beyond in their roles. Categories include:

  • Restaurateur of the Year
  • Restaurant Employee and Manager of the Year
  • Lodging Operator, Employee, and Manager of the Year
  • Hospitality Supplier of the Year
  • Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community
  • And more!

How to Nominate

Nominations are open exclusively to NCRLA members in good standing. Each submission should include examples that highlight your nominee’s impact, leadership, and dedication. Past winners may be nominated for different categories.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025

Let’s come together to celebrate the people who make hospitality in North Carolina exceptional.

Questions? Contact nroberts@ncrla.org.

Nominate A Star!

Award category descriptions are as follows:

Nominees must be restaurant members in good standing with NCRLA. This award honors a restaurant owner or company that is viewed as highly successful in the eyes of his or her fellow operators, employees and the community. Other areas of consideration include the nominee’s ability as an operator and his/her community involvement. In addition, nominees should have made contributions to the industry on the basis of his/her own business ethics, and have enhanced the overall image of the foodservice industry. In general, nominees should show an interest in protecting and promoting the foodservice industry.
Two awards will be given in this category to celebrate deserving employees at the management level and line level. Please feel free to nominate more than one deserving employee accordingly. Nominees must display outstanding service and a commitment to excellence in hospitality. Nominees must carry themselves with professionalism and display leadership abilities.
Nominees must be lodging members in good standing with NCRLA. This award honors a hotel owner or a company that is viewed as highly successful in the eyes of his or her fellow operators, employees, and the community. Other areas of consideration include the nominee’s ability as an operator and his/her community involvement. In addition, nominees should have made contributions to the industry on the basis of his/her own business ethics, and have enhanced the overall image of the lodging industry. In general, nominees should show an interest in protecting and promoting the hospitality industry. General managers, management company executives and property owners are eligible.
Two awards will be given in this category to celebrate deserving employees at the management level and line level. Please feel free to nominate more than one deserving employee accordingly. Nominees must display outstanding service and a commitment to excellence in hospitality. Nominees must carry themselves with professionalism and display leadership abilities.
Nominees must be individuals working for allied members of the hospitality industry and must be in good standing with NCRLA. This award honors a company or representative that is viewed as highly successful in the eyes of his/her fellow operators, employees and the community. Nominees should have made contributions to the industry on the basis of his/her own business ethics and have contributed to the overall image of the hospitality industry. In general, nominees should show an interest in protecting and promoting the hospitality industry.
This award honors an NCRLA member who has gone above and beyond in their service to the association. The nominee should be someone who has contributed significant time and energy to help NCRLA accomplish its mission. The award is named after longtime members Griff and June Glover of Pizza Inn and Diversified Foods.
This award honors members who make significant charitable impacts within their communities. 
This award honors the state legislator who has made the most legislative headway for the hospitality in the preceding legislative session.
This award will be given when appropriate to a member who has achieved significant success in the North Carolina hospitality industry.