The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the voice of North Carolina’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, hosted its annual 2022 Stars of the Industry awards ceremony last night.
The award recipients were recognized during a ceremony at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham.
At a time when restaurants, hotels and bars are doing their best to respond to labor shortages, supply chain issues and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stars of the Industry awards afforded North Carolina’s hospitality community a chance to reflect and honor the selfless contributions and stories of inspiration from within the industry. Award recipients were selected based on their exemplary service, leadership, innovation and dedication to the restaurant and lodging industries.
A total of 5 Charlotte hospitality leaders received statewide recognition last night at the 2022 Stars of the Industry Awards, hosted by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA).
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Vinay Patel, from SREE Hotels, won the Griff and June Glover Award for Distinguished Service for his dedication to the industry as both NCRLA Board Chair and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. Vinay led the charge on lobbying for NCRLA’s Blueprint leading to PPP deductibility and $500 million in direct grants to hospitality businesses.
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Tim Goss, from Firehouse Subs, won the Ken Conrad Award for Service for his efforts to help economically distressed areas of Mecklenburg County during the summer of 2021. He partnered with Mecklenburg County Public Health, the Charlotte Police Department, the local YMCA and neighborhood organizations to host several vaccine clinics.
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Lodging Employee of the Year – Vera Cobbs, Charlotte Marriott SouthPark
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Hospitality Supplier of the Year – Andy Clark, US Foods
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Restaurant Employee of the Year – Seth Wilson, Heirloom Restaurant