North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

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North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Tenacious advocates for North Carolina's $36.7 billion hospitality industry. From its beginnings in 1947 at the O.

Henry Hotel in Greensboro, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association has evolved into the one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the state. Today, NCRLA is the voice of North Carolina's $27.3 billion restaurant and lodging industries, representing the interests of more than 16,000 businesses throughout the state. Member businesses employ 13 percent of North Carolina’s workforce, and are among the largest private employment sectors in the state.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to NCRLA member, Army veteran, and James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore, who represented the South at the National Restaurant Association's Taste of America celebration in Washington, D.C.

As part of the celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday, Chef Moore showcased Southern flavors with a seafood-inspired menu featuring watermelon and buttery BBQ shrimp, crab grits, and blueberry-lemon curd hand pies—a red, white, and blue tribute to the American flag.

We're proud to see North Carolina's culinary talent recognized among the nation's best.

Read more: https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article316008051.html

05/07/2026

In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, NCRLA’s Allen Thomas attended Greenville, NC's 11th Annual National Travel & Tourism Week at the Hilton Greenville—located on the Greenville Convention Center Campus—with Wit Tuttell and Andrew Schmidt.

Travel and tourism remain one of the state’s most significant economic drivers. “We’re one of the leading economic generators in revenue, $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenue generated by these visitors,” said Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit NC State Tourism Office. U.S. Travel Association

Read more: https://www.wnct.com/news/travel-and-tourism-week-celebrated-in-pitt-county/

05/04/2026

📣 Big news for North Carolina’s hospitality industry 👏

NCRLA President & CEO Allen Thomas has been named to the 2026 Business North Carolina Power List, a recognition of the most influential leaders shaping our state’s economy and communities.

He’s joined by fellow hospitality industry leaders and NCRLA board members, including Amber Moshakos, Tom Pashley, and Lance Trenary—a strong reflection of hospitality’s impact across North Carolina. We are proud to see our industry represented among the state’s top decision-makers.

🔗 View the full list: https://issuu.com/businessnc/docs/business_north_carolina_power_list_2026/85

04/13/2026

A strong afternoon of insight, leadership, and forward-looking conversation in Charlotte. From policy and economic trends to lodging and travel insights, NCRLA’s Economic State of the Industry Summit brought together leaders focused on what’s next for North Carolina hospitality on April 9.

Thank you to our speakers: Congressman Tim Moore, Chad Moutray, Allen Thomas, and Himanshu Desai, partners, and attendees for making this stop in the Hospitality Summit Series such a success.

04/09/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY!

We’re looking forward to gathering Charlotte’s hospitality community this afternoon for NCRLA’s Hospitality Summit Series.

Today’s program features valuable perspectives on federal policy, restaurant economic forecasts, and lodging performance trends from industry leaders, including Representative Tim Moore, Chad Moutray, Allen Thomas, and Himanshu Desai.

📍 Know Before You Go
• Registration opens at 2:00 PM
• Event begins at 3:00 PM
• Venue: Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
• Location: Charlotte

This will be a timely afternoon of hospitality insights, economic outlooks, and meaningful networking with leaders from across the region. See you soon! Details at https://www.ncrla.org/summitseries/

04/08/2026

There’s still time to join us for NCRLA’s Hospitality Summit Series: Economic “State of Hospitality” 2026–2027 Forecast on April 9 in Charlotte. 🎟️ Register today at https://www.ncrla.org/summitseries/

📍 Know before you go:
Registration opens at 2:00 PM at the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel. This Charlotte gathering brings together local restaurant and lodging leaders, industry partners, and policymakers for timely conversations around the trends, forecasts, and policy shifts shaping hospitality right now.

What you’ll hear:
• Policy insights from Representative Tim Moore and what it means for hospitality businesses
• National restaurant trends and economic forecasts from Chad Moutray of the National Restaurant Association
• Lodging performance and travel trends from Himanshu Desai of Amadeus
The afternoon includes a moderated discussion followed by time to connect with peers across the Charlotte hospitality community.

04/02/2026

Charlotte, we’re officially one WEEK out from NCRLA’s Hospitality Summit Series.

On April 9, hospitality operators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across North Carolina will come together for an important conversation on the issues impacting our industry right now.

From the latest economic outlook and policy updates to honest conversations around workforce pressures, consumer behavior shifts, and what’s ahead for restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses, this is a timely opportunity to gain insights you can put into action immediately.

We’re honored to welcome featured guests: Rep. Tim Moore, Allen Thomas, Chad Moutray, and Himanshu Desai.

With just days to go, now is the time to secure your seat and be part of the conversations shaping the future of hospitality in North Carolina.

📍 Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
⏰ 3–5 p.m.

Register today at https://ncrla.org/summitseries or use the link in the comments.

03/31/2026

Exciting news for North Carolina’s hospitality community! Allen Thomas, NCRLA President & CEO, joined the NC Department of Agriculture last week for the unveiling of the new Midway Event Center at the NC State Fairgrounds.

Opening in time for the 2026 North Carolina State Fair, this vibrant 30,000-square-foot food hall will include 8 vendor spaces, 2 bars, year-round indoor/outdoor seating, ample parking, and private upstairs event space.

The NC Department of Agriculture is currently seeking an operator. If you’re interested in becoming an operator or vendor, contact NC State Fair Director Kent
Yelverton at [email protected].

Pictured: Allen Thomas and Chris Mackey (NCRLA), Gina Pearce Stephens (Raleigh Magazine), members of the Sysco team (Jennifer Klos and Christian Scott), and Allen Thomas speaking at the unveiling.

03/26/2026

Charlotte, we’re headed your way!

NCRLA’s Hospitality Summit Series lands April 9, bringing together operators, policymakers and industry leaders for a timely conversation on what’s shaping NC hospitality right now.

Hear from our featured guests: Congressman Tim Moore, NCRLA President & CEO Allen Thomas, Chad Moutray of the National Restaurant Association and Himanshu Desai of Amadeus.

From economic insights to policy updates and real talk on workforce and consumer trends, this is your chance to connect, learn and walk away with actionable takeaways.

📍 Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
⏰ 3–5 p.m.

Join the conversation—and be part of what’s next for our industry.

Register now at https://portal.ncrla.org/events/hospitality-summit-series-charlotte-edition

Address

Raleigh, NC

Telephone

+19198440098

Website

http://www.ncrla.org/

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