NCRLA

North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Stars of the Industry 2026

Monday, February 23, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm | Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham, NC

NCRLA proudly honored the 2026 Stars of the Industry, recognizing 20 standout hospitality professionals who help North Carolina’s restaurant and lodging industries thrive.

Stars of the Industry is NCRLA’s signature celebration of excellence, spotlighting front-line team members, managers and industry leaders who elevate guest experiences across the state. The evening began with a VIP MICHELIN reception, sponsored by Visit North Carolina and partners, featuring dishes from Restaurateurs of the Year William Dissen and Christopher Prieto, along with chef-driven selections from US Foods. Guests enjoyed Angus Barn’s signature beef tenderloin and a curated beverage experience featuring North Carolina distilleries, regional breweries, wine partners and soft drinks from Pepsi Bottling Ventures. The awards program was emceed by David Crabtree, CEO of PBS North Carolina.

“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. “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.”

Among this year’s honorees were Brad Overcash and John Bell IV, who received the Hospitality Champion Award for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of restaurant and lodging businesses. In total, the event recognized 20 individuals and organizations across 10 award categories, reinforcing the strength and talent driving North Carolina hospitality.

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Congratulations to our 2026 Stars!

Restaurateurs of the Year
Christopher Prieto, Owner & Pitmaster, Prime BBQ, Knightdale
William Dissen, Chef & Owner, The Market Place, Asheville

Lodging Operators of the Year
Brenda Durden, COO, South Asheville Hotel Associates, Asheville
Christophe Le Chatton, General Manager, The Ballantyne Hotel, Charlotte

Hospitality Champions of the Year
Sen. Brad Overcash, Gaston Co.
Rep. John R. Bell, IV, Wayne Co.

Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community
Ashley & Red Harrell, Owners, Birdies and Gaffer’s, Emerald Isle
Dean Neff, Chef & Owner, Seabird, Wilmington

Griff & June Glover Award for Service to the Association
Joshua Vukelich, Owner, Kitchen Guard Piedmont-Triad

Hospitality Supplier of the Year
Chris Pence, President & Co-Founder, HAAND Pottery, Burlington

Restaurant Managers of the Year
Pearl Greenway, Operator, BISCUITVILLE Fresh Southern, Graham
Laura Ray, Food & Beverage Manager, The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary

Lodging Managers of the Year
Margarita Hernández, Executive Housekeeper, Fairfield Inn (CMC Hotels), Cary
Hannah Talbott, Hotel Manager, The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge (LODEN Properties), Raleigh
Ashley Tjaden, Regional Director of Operations, SREE Hotels, Charlotte

Restaurant Employees of the Year
Chris Lovegood, Server, Soprana Rooftop Cucina (Parks Hospitality), Asheville
Charles Tolo, Server, Parizade (Giorgios Hospitality Group), Durham

Lodging Employees of the Year
Carlos Leandro S. Bacugan, Bellperson, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham
Thomas Barton, Guest Services Supervisor, Embassy Suites (Parks Hospitality), Asheville
Anderson Owens, Laundry Attendant, The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!

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.