NCRLA

North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Why Join?

​There’s strength in numbers. When the North Carolina hospitality industry comes together, our collective voice becomes stronger and our impact far greater than any single business or operator could be alone. There are also numerous opportunities to save and help your business grow through your membership in the Association. North Carolina restaurants, lodging establishments, taverns, and suppliers comprise the membership of the NCRLA.

If you have questions, reach out to our Director of Membership Natalie Cox.

Member Testimonials

“Being part of NCRLA helps us stay on top of changes that happen to laws and regulations and allows us to be a part of the policy-making process. NCRLA has consistently provided us solid guidance on health department regulations and assists us with clear resolutions to challenges from our local health inspectors. We value the advocacy on all fronts.”
Jim Beley, General Manager
The Umstead Hotel and Spa and Heron’s Restaurant

“Membership in NCRLA is not an option for us at Burke Hospitality Group, it’s a necessity for our business. I know who I can call at a moment’s notice when one of my establishments is having an issue with the health inspector, the ABC board, or if I need guidance on a labor issue. We have saved on our bottom line by participating in the exclusive cost savings programs vetted through NCRLA. It would be tough to run a restaurant business without all the support of NCRLA.”
Tom Sasser, Owner
Burke Hospitality Group

“As a nation-wide operator, I value the support of NCRLA. Without the expertise and watchful eye of NCRLA, harmful legislation could slip through the cracks and have an adverse impact on our ability to do business in North Carolina. NCRLA is keenly focused on changing laws and regulations that are negative and work to identify opportunities to promote positive changes to ease regulations on businesses. There is no better advocate for the hospitality industry.”
Lance Trenary, President & CEO
Golden Corral Corporation

“Our partnership with NCRLA pays dividends every day. Their advocacy on behalf of our industry has been invaluable throughout the pandemic. Thanks to the Association, the hospitality industry in North Carolina is surviving and on the way to thriving again. NCRLA members gain access to tools, resources, and relationships that help drive their success. They can also take pride in knowing that they are part of a broad effort to grow and sustain an industry that makes North Carolinians proud!”
Andy Clark, Area President, Western NC
US Foods

“The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association has been an incredible partner over the years. The NCRLA team’s innovate approach to supporting our partnership and creating new ways to connect with the industry continually drives awareness and value to our programs.”
Moriah Murphy, Director, Association Partnerships
UnitedHealth Group

“The partnership that Ecolab and NCRLA has had over the years has been invaluable. They are a key voice within the NC market and truly care about the hospitality industry. Lynn and her team fight each day to ensure positive changes within the industry are made. Thank you for the partnership and what you do each and every day.”
Patrick Aiello, Regional AVP Corporate Accounts
Ecolab

“We are very proud of our new partnership with the NCRLA and honored to be working with them. Their support and advocacy for the Restaurant & Lodging Industry this past year has truly shown what an outstanding group they are and how invaluable of an asset their membership is for the restaurant and lodging businesses throughout NC.”
Kevin Osterman, National Programs Manager
Employers

“NCRLA supports our value-driven principles and we are proud to have them as a strategic partner. They understand the meaning and impact of a partnership built from integrity and trust, and we are fortunate that they are part of our Fintech family. Their service is exceptional, and their people-first attitude is unmatched.”
Misha Hart, Vice President, Marketing
Fintech

Key Benefits of Membership

Advocacy

NCRLA is the leading advocate for the hospitality and tourism industry in North Carolina. We support our members’ interests through legislative representation with the goal of protecting and maintaining tourism funding, taxation, alcohol beverage control and workforce issues. This support also includes lobbying at the local, state, and federal levels; as well as research from our national partners – the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Learn more about our current legislative priorities, get members’-only information such as legislative updates and our bill tracker and find out about our Political Action Committee.

Cost-Saving Discounts

Members can save money just by using NCRLA’s Supplier Members services, some of which you may already use! We’ve got partnerships and savings for members on items such as:

  • Credit Card & Payroll Processing
  • Insurance & Legal Needs
  • Foodservice Distribution & Rebates
  • Office Supplies & Support
  • Music Licensing
  • Marketing Support, Tools & Software
NCRLA’s Endorsed Partners & Providers

Networking Opportunities

NCRLA has several opportunities for members to network including major industry events, chapter meetings, receptions, annual membership meeting, golf tournaments as well as Political Action Committee (PAC) and Education Foundation fundraisers. Get involved, meet other professionals in the industry, make connections, find a mentor, and more!

Upcoming Events

Access to Critical Information

NCRLA members get weekly updates in our “In the Mix” and “View from Jones Street” newsletters. Members have access to our Legislative Agenda and Bill Tracker, and our Guide to Hospitality Law.

Members also get exclusive access to:

  • NCRLA’s restaurant & lodging membership database
  • Weekly North Carolina Restaurant Activity Report
  • Targeted marketing opportunities to the North Carolina hospitality industry
  • Networking events with restaurant & hotel owners and operators across the state
  • Discounted products & services
  • Valuable information for your customers