At Your Service, Spring 2022

AT YOUR

Official Magazine of North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association

SERVICE +

PLUS Develop a Dynamic Hiring Campaign

Election 2022

Key races that could affect your business

Inside NCRLA’s Strategic Plan

Spring Legislative Update

PREPARED FOR SUCCESS Spring 2022, Vol. 11, Issue 2 NCRLA.org

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 2022 NCRLA STARS OF THE INDUSTRY

APRIL 18, 2022 5:30–8:30 P.M.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Durham, NC For details, visit NCRLA.org/Stars

Contents

NCRLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: AMBER MOSHAKOS, CHAIR LM Restaurants

BURNEY JENNINGS, VICE CHAIR Biscuitville Fresh Southern TOM PASHLEY, SECRETARY Pinehurst Resort

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JASON SMITH, SECRETARY 18 Restaurant Group NISHITH “NISH” PATEL, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Beacon IMG, Inc. JIM BELEY, NC TRAVEL & TOURISM BOARD LIAISON The Umstead Hotel and Spa

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19

LYNN MINGES, PRESIDENT & CEO FRANK GRAY, GENERAL COUNSEL AND LOBBYIST

Features

BOARD MEMBERS: PATRICK AIELLO Ecolab

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9

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Hot Topics for 2022

Spring Legislative Update

Meet the 2022 NCRLA Board

Election 2022 preview, plus Hospitality Business Grant update

Get to know the new NCRLA Chair and Board of Directors

The latest issues facing hospitality professionals

LANCE TRENARY, NRA LIAISON Golden Corral Corporation

ANDY CLARK US Foods SHERI ERHART CMC Hotels DAN FREELAND Concord Hospitality Enterprises PHIL FRIEDMAN Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina TIM GOSS Firehouse Subs DORIS HUEBNER F & D Huebner, LLC

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19

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Cover Story: NCRLA’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan

NC Food Safety and Lodging Regulations

Celebrate Current Employees to Attract New Ones

SCOTT MAITLAND Top of the Hill Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery

Proven tips to help you ramp up your hiring efforts

SHAUNAK PATEL Parks Hospitality Group

Do you know the top sanitation risk factors?

Our strategic directions, actions, and priorities for the next five years

RUSS JONES Davidson & Jones

AKSHAT PATEL, EX-OFFICIO Comfort Inn — Choice Hotels

VINAY PATEL SREE Hotels, LLC GONZA SALAMANCA Gonza Tacos Y Tequila

In Every Issue 5

Welcome New Members Welcome to our latest members from across North Carolina

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Letter from NCRLA Chair and NCRLA President & CEO Normal Feels New

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Upcoming NCRLA Events Mark your calendar and plan to join us 4

At Your Service | Spring 2022

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Benefits of Membership Giving your business a competitive advantage

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TOM SASSER Burke Hospitality IAN SAUER Summit Hospitality Group LTD BILLY SEWELL Platinum Corral, LLC DOUG STAFFORD Griffin Stafford Hospitality, LLC STEVE THANHAUSER Angus Barn, Ltd. CHARLES THOMPSON The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Member Moments Recognizing leaders from across North Carolina’s hospitality industry

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRS:

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JASON SMITH 18 Restaurant Group

À la Carte A sampler of hospitality-related news stories

VINAY PATEL SREE Hotels, LLC

ALLIED BOARD MEMBERS: PATRICK AIELLO Ecolab ANDY CLARK US Foods

Welcome New NCRLA Members Together, we can protect and advance the hospitality industry.

Go to NCRLA.org/membership to learn more about NCRLA and to download a membership application.

Restaurants

Cabarrus Brewing Company, Concord Casa Oaxaca Restaurante, Roxboro City Club Raleigh, Raleigh Clarksville Station, Roxboro Dressler’s Restaurant, Charlotte and Huntersville Fat Cat’s Billiards, Arden Griffeth Management Group, Hull, GA Manhattan Café & Catering, Raleigh Mateo Tapas, Durham Pink Boot, Clayton

Poki Bowl, Wake Forest Reid’s Café & Catering Co., Sugar Mountain The Cardinal Bar, Clayton The Cardinal Lounge, Jacksonville The Fiction Kitchen, Raleigh The Indigo Road Hospitality Group • Indaco, Charlotte • Oak Steakhouse, Charlotte and Raleigh • O-Ku Sushi, Charlotte and Raleigh • Sukoshi, Charlotte The One Nine, Cary Zen Hen, LLC, Arden

Lodging

AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, Raleigh Skyline Lodge, Highlands

Allied

ARF Financial, Decatur, GA Bear Robotics, Redwood City, CA eHungry, Raleigh Unpretentious Palate, Charlotte Virtual Dining Concepts, Orlando, FL

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners

Corporate Partners support the endeavors of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association in a variety of ways, including event sponsorships, advertising, and more. NCRLA thanks those who help make the association strong.

DIAMOND

TITANIUM

GOLD

PLATINUM

SILVER

View our Corporate Partnership opportunities at NCRLA.org Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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At Your Service Volume 11, Issue 2 An official publication of the NC Restaurant & Lodging Association © 2022 STAFF President & CEO LYNN D. MINGES Chief Strategy & Communications Officer CHRIS MACKEY

Normal Feels New As we start the second quarter of 2022, getting back to “normal” feels new.

Mask mandates have been lifted. Events are back in person. We hosted the NCRLA Annual Meeting, and the Board of Directors met in person at the AC Hotel in downtown Raleigh in February. It felt great to see people and get back to basics.

We want to thank our 2021 NCRLA Board Chair Nish Patel for working tirelessly with us to help the hospitality industry last year. At our annual meeting, the Board nominated and approved the new slate of officers and adopted NCRLA’s new 2022–2026 Strategic Plan.

The mission of the organization has not changed—we will continue to protect, educate, and promote North Carolina’s hospitality industry. We will continue to do that by being the most trusted voice in the industry and promoting the impact of and demonstrating the value for the hospitality industry.

The mission of the organization has not changed—we will continue to protect, educate, and promote North Carolina’s hospitality industry.

Also getting back to basics, the NC General Assembly and the governor signed off on the state’s budget in November 2021. That budget included several key measures the hospitality industry has been asking for to help speed our recovery. Our collective efforts were heard and rewarded with a $500 million hospitality business grant program that will help our businesses rebuild and a $5 million grant for hospitality industry workforce development in the coming year.

As we head into this election year, the NC General Assembly will finalize the redistricting process and we will focus on our industry priorities during the legislative “short” session. We will continue to work with policymakers to help the industry recover and sustain our role as a key part of our state’s economy.

We encourage all our members to get involved as we move toward a new normal.

We can’t wait to see you in person at Stars of the Industry, Chef Showdown, Rally in Raleigh, Manteo to Murphy, and all our events. Thank you for your continued support.

We are all in this together and together we will navigate the path forward!

Director of Government Affairs ISABEL VILLA-GARCIA Director of Membership NATALIE COX General Counsel & Lobbyist FRANK GRAY COVID-19 Foundation Manager SHANNON MCGUIRE Manager of Finance and Administration MARY ARNOLD Communications and Events Coordinator INEZ NICHOLSON ProStart Manager KECIA TAYLOR Food Safety and Lodging Regulations Specialist CAROLYN K. GRIFFIN Editor SHANNON FARLOW Designer TRACIE EUBANK BUSINESS OFFICE 222 North Person Street, Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 844-0098 Website: NCRLA.org For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, contact Chris Mackey, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer, at cmackey@ncrla.org.

Published by Farlow+Co, LLC

Lynn Minges NCRLA President & CEO

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At Your Service | Spring 2022

Amber Moshakos NCRLA Board Chair

/NCRLA @NCRLA Or search North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association

2022 EVENTS Network with hospitality industry leaders at one of NCRLA’s upcoming events.

Learn more at NCRLA.org

April 11 Charlotte Golf Classic, presented by US Foods 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Firethorne Country Club Marvin, NC April 18 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Durham, NC April 25 – 27 National Restaurant Association 2022 Public Affairs Conference Grand Hyatt Washington, DC

May 6 – 8 2022 National ProStart Invitational Washington, DC June 14 Rally in Raleigh 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Merrimon-Wynne House Raleigh, NC June 23 NC Hotel Conference: Powered by NCRLA and AHLA 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Charlotte, NC

August 8 NCRLA Chef Showdown 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The Pavilion at Angus Barn Raleigh, NC August 29 Future of Hospitality Golf Tournament, presented by US Foods 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prestonwood Country Club Cary, NC October 24 Manteo to Murphy PAC Fundraiser 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Angus Barn Raleigh, NC

Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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Hot Topics for ‘22:

Stay on top of the latest issues and regulations facing our industry.

ONGOING WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

The nationwide workforce shortage is expected to continue throughout 2022. While nearly all industries have been affected, restaurants and lodging establishments have been hit especially hard. The lack of workers will continue to impact individual businesses, resulting in reduced business hours and longer wait times for customers.

NC HOSPITALITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The NCRLA Foundation has been awarded a $1.1 million hospitality workforce development training grant to cultivate skilled hospitality and tourism industry workers and increase job opportunities. The tourism and hospitality workforce program will deliver a robust offering of training and certification courses to new and existing employees in the hospitality industry.

ABC REFORM IN NORTH CAROLINA

Since House Bill 890: ABC Omnibus Legislation took effect in October, there have been several major improvements to North Carolina’s existing Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission laws. The legislation, which NCRLA tirelessly supported, is an effort to modernize the sale and distribution of alcohol in the state. Key components include the authorization of social districts and changes to ABC store sales. However, the debate surrounding statecontrolled alcohol sales will continue in 2022.

TIPPED WAGE FIGHT

Activist groups are continuing their efforts to abolish the subminimum tipped wage in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington, DC. If the tip credit is eliminated, many restaurants will move to an hourly wage-only system, terminate tipping, reduce employee hours, operate with fewer employees, and raise prices to cover higher wages. The National Restaurant Association is fostering a balanced conversation about the impact changes would have on the economic recovery of workers and restaurant operators.

DINING AND SOCIAL DISTRICTS

Municipalities across the country are exploring and establishing public social districts and outdoor dining areas to support local bars and restaurants. The districts increase the capacity for businesses to serve their patrons. Because outdoor space is limited in most cities and towns, the long-term permanence of social districts remains in question.

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At Your Service | Spring 2022

SPRING LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

NORTH CAROLINA HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES RECEIVE GRANT CHECKS Throughout the pandemic, NCRLA has worked tirelessly to advocate for NC restaurants, bars, and hotels. Just as members across the state adjusted their business models, NCRLA stepped up to meet the needs of members in new and different ways. We advocated on behalf of the industry during every executive order, business closure, capacity restriction, mask mandate, and more. We provided grants directly to

displaced hospitality industry employees.

We developed and executed Count On Me NC, a campaign designed to embrace the best practices for operating during COVID-19 and to build consumer confidence in dining in NC restaurants and staying at lodging properties. We advocated for the expansion of outdoor dining, cocktails to go, and liability protections for members. When we heard from you, our members, that

policy changes and financial relief was critical, we developed the Blueprint for Revival of the North Carolina Hospitality Industry. With input from hundreds of members across the state, this plan outlined policy initiatives designed to help our NC restaurants, bars, and hotels survive and rebound from the adverse impacts of COVID-19. A $300 million ask for direct grants topped the list. Then we went to work. After numerous calls Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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to action and a year of lobbying by our members and Government Affairs Team, the state passed a budget in November that included $500 million for Business Recovery Grants with $300 million dedicated specifically for hospitality businesses. This historic investment in the recovery of our industry was the largest state appropriation of its kind in the country.

On December 16, the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) opened the grant application process and NCRLA stepped up to promote the program to restaurants and hotels across the state.

We held webinars alongside senior leaders at NCDOR to help ensure members understood the application process, and we fielded hundreds of calls from businesses needing help. Thousands of businesses across the state applied for grant money and checks totaling $265 million have been mailed to 1,964 businesses across the state.

Of the $500 million originally appropriated to the NC Business Recovery Grants, $235 million was left over from the first application period and NCDOR is expected to open a second phase of applications for those that didn’t receive funding during the initial round of grants. We will keep members updated on plans for round two of the grant application cycle and stand ready and eager to help businesses navigate the application process.

NCRLA is proud to have fought for this important grant program that is expected to inject cash into businesses that have experienced the most significant financial impact during the pandemic.

NORTH CAROLINA 2022 ELECTIONS PREVIEW

What does this mean for our NC Hospitality Champions?

Redistricting Recap

Before the election season began, 2022 was shaping up to be an exciting election year due to the redistricting process.

The data collected by the decennial census is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives. Because of our population growth over the last decade, North Carolina gained a 14th seat, which ties us with the state of Georgia for the 8th most in the country. As a part of this process, North Carolina’s legislature is constitutionally required to draw new district maps for congress and the legislative districts.

As the process began in 2021, the members of the legislature held town halls across the state to hear from their constituents regarding representation.

Then the committee in charge of 10 At Your Service | Spring 2022

redistricting looked at several options and allowed all legislators to work with the mapping software to create maps.

The party in control of the legislature has the power to draw and pass the maps. Once the legislature passed their first set of maps, they were immediately challenged in the courts. As a result, the courts pushed back North Carolina’s primary election date from March to May. In addition, the courts paused the candidate filing period which had opened.

The maps were eventually redrawn again and received bipartisan support, but the courts rejected them again and ultimately implemented a plan created by Special Masters. The resulting map was challenged by legislative leadership to the US Supreme Court. The US Supreme Court ruled on March 7 that it would not

take the case up at this time, making the congressional maps stand for the 2022 election.

Key Races to Watch: US CONGRESS In the meantime, the primary candidate filing period was extended, resulting in many additional candidates running for office.

US SENATE There are now 25 candidates running for the US Senate seat long held by Senator Richard Burr. Many Democratic contenders announced early their intention to run for the seat, but former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, got early support and has raised significantly more money than others. With 14 Republicans now in the race, the leaders

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continue to be former Governor Pat McCrory, Congressman Ted Budd, Congressman Mark Walker, and Marjorie Eastman. Combined, the top four Republicans have raised nearly equal amounts to the total that former Chief Justice Beasley has raised. Currently, former Governor Pat McCrory and Congressman Ted Budd are the Republican frontrunners.

The North Carolina US Senate race is expected to break the record once again for the most money spent in an election.

This race could determine control of the US Senate and is expected to be very tight and highly contested.

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Printed by the NC General Assembly, February 23, 2022

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74

87

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97 Lincoln Rutherford

110

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US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are up for reelection every even year. This year, the recent retirements of GK Butterfield and David Price brought out several candidates in Districts 2 and 6, and five primaries now have at least eight candidates on the ballot for these seats.

If nobody can get 30% of the votes in one of these races, we may have a second primary election in July.

Hospitality champion and restaurateur, NC State Senator Chuck Edwards is running in a primary against Congressman Madison Cawthorn to represent Buncombe County in District 11. This race will be very closely watched due to Congressman Cawthorn’s persona. Another major candidate in the race is Michele Woodhouse, whom Congressman Cawthorn had endorsed to run for Congress under the previous maps. They are likely to split the far-right vote in the primary election.

There will be a lot of external national money spent in the race.

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NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY Members of the North Carolina General Assembly also serve two-year terms and each seat at the NCGA is up for reelection in 2022. A lot is at stake during this mid-term election year.

18

New Hanover

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20

17

Legend

Brunswick

19

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0

25

50

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Source: SL 2022-4

150

200 Miles

Printed by the NC General Assembly, February 17, 2022

2022-2 SENATE S.L. 2022-2 Senate CLICK FOR EXPANDED VIEW

Ashe

Alleghany

47 Wilkes Mitchell

Madison

Caldwell

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Printed by the NC General Assembly, February 17, 2022

Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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NC HOUSE District 52, which includes Moore and Richmond County, will see a Republican primary challenge to House ABC Committee Chairman Jamie Boles from Ben Moss.

District 63, including part of Alamance County, will have a rematch of the last election with former Representative Stephen Ross (R) running against current Representative Ricky Hurtado (D).

Former Representative Ross will also have a Republican primary opponent in Ed Priola. Representative Ross has been a staunch supporter of the hospitality industry.

Representative Pat Hurley, the most adamant opponent to ABC reform in the House, is facing a Republican primary opponent for the first time in Brian Biggs to represent Randolph County.

Representative John Bradford (R) and former Representative Christy Clark (D) will face off again in Mecklenburg County in the general election. Representative Bradford lost his reelection in 2018 to Representative Christy Clark and then won the seat back in 2020. Representative Bradford has been a top hospitality champion in the House.

NC SENATE Sitting Republican Senators Deanna Ballard and Ralph Hise have been double-dunked into the same district.

It was expected that a deal would be made between them as they are both

in leadership, but they have both filed for reelection, making this a key race to watch. Both Senators have been hospitality champions.

Sitting Republican Senators Norman Sanderson and Bob Steinburg will face off in the primary to represent District 1 in eastern North Carolina, including Carteret, Chowan, Dare, Hyde, and Pamlico counties.

Former State Senator Buck Newton is running again to represent Greene, Wayne, and Wilson counties in a Republican primary against Joe Democko.

Current Representative Graig Meyer is running for the state Senate for District 23, which includes Caswell, Orange, and Person Counties. He has been a great champion of the industry in the House.

He faces a Democratic primary and a general election.

Representative Tim Moffit is running for the Senate in District 48, which includes Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties. Representative Moffit is a longtime champion of the industry and the current ABC Committee Chair in the House. He will be a great advocate for the industry in the Senate.

Pratik Bhakta (R) is running in District 115 to represent part of Buncombe County against Lindsey Prather (D).

Pratik is an NCRLA member and former Board of Directors member. He would be an excellent addition to the House and a formidable champion for the industry.

ON THE BALLOT

BY THE NUMBERS:

ONE

US SENATE RACE

14

CONGRESSIONAL RACES ALL

170 NCGA SEATS

IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO INVEST IN THE NCRLA PAC AND ADVOCACY FUND! As a reminder, NCRLA PAC is comprised of personal investments by the industry across the state. This money goes directly to support the election of our legislative industry champions. The NCRLA Advocacy Fund accepts both personal and corporate investments.

The donors to this fund are not made public and there are no limits on how much can be

GIVE TO NCRLA PAC! 12 At Your Service | Spring 2022

invested. NCRLA uses this fund to support advocacy and candidates independently.

A robust NCRLA PAC and NCRLA Advocacy Fund allow us to be political players and strengthen our influence with our elected officials. Being able to help support our industry champions helps us to protect our industry!

GIVE TO NCRLA ADVOCACY FUND!

Downtown Raleigh

GET TO KNOW THE 2022 NCRLA BOARD On February 7, NCRLA members gathered at the AC Hotel in Downtown Raleigh for our annual member and board of director’s meetings. Approximately 50 members attended the annual meeting in person.

NCRLA elected Raleigh restaurateur Amber Moshakos to serve as the board chair for a one-year term.

She was sworn in by the board of directors along with a new slate of officers, including outgoing board chair, Nish Patel, who will continue to serve on the executive committee as immediate past chair.

NCRLA BOARD CHAIR AMBER MOSHAKOS

Amber Moshakos is president of LM Restaurants, a Raleigh based, family-owned hospitality management group which designs, develops, builds, and operates award-winning restaurants across the Southeast. She leads the overall operations and senior staff activities as well as LM Restaurants’ business development and strategic initiatives in vendor negotiations, real estate transactions, marketing, restaurant construction, and design.

“Amber grew up in the food industry and has helped take her family business to the next level despite all the challenges of the last few years. She has served on our board since 2014, and we are honored and excited to have her serve as our new chair,” said NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges. “I also want to offer a special thank you to Nish Patel, who tirelessly guided us during one of the most challenging times in our history

during his tenure as NCRLA board chair.”

Moshakos holds a Master’s of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences with a minor in business from NC State. She and her family own and operate 31 award-winning restaurants. They have 13 brands under the family umbrella, including Carolina Ale House, a regional restaurant brand. In addition, they have 12 single brand units, including The Oceanic, Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Henry’s Restaurant & Bar, Hops Supply Co., Taverna Agora, Vidrio, Oceanic at Pompano Beach, Lucky Fish, Morea, and The Cove. New restaurants on the horizon include a collaboration with Top Chef Alum Katsuji Tanabe with a’Verde Cocina + Tequila Bar, and The Preserve BBQ with famed NC Pitmasters Ed and Ryan Mitchell.

In addition to serving on the NCRLA Board, Amber Moshakos has served on the board of The Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness and NC State College of Education’s Advisory Board. Through LM Restaurants, she also participates in numerous other community activities, including Activate Good, No Kid Hungry, Habitat for Humanity, Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, and more.

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2022 NCRLA BOARD

Amber Moshakos

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Amber Moshakos, Chair, LM Restaurants Burney Jennings, Vice Chair, Biscuitville Fresh Southern Tom Pashley, Treasurer, Pinehurst Resort Jason Smith, Secretary, 18 Restaurant Group Jim Beley, NC Travel & Tourism Board Liaison, The Umstead Hotel and Spa Lance Trenary, NRA Liaison, Golden Corral Corporation Nishith “Nish” Patel, Immediate Past Chair, Beacon IMG, Inc. Lynn Minges, NCRLA President & CEO Frank Gray, General Counsel and Lobbyist

MEMBERS Patrick Aiello, Ecolab Andy Clark, US Foods Sheri Erhart, CMC Hotels Dan Freeland, Concord Hospitality Enterprises Phil Friedman, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina

Burney Jennings

Tom Pashley

Jason Smith

Jim Beley

Tim Goss, Firehouse Subs Doris Huebner, F & D Huebner, LLC Russ Jones, Davidson & Jones Scott Maitland, Top of the Hill Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery Akshat Patel, Ex-Officio, Comfort Inn — Choice Hotels Shaunak Patel, Parks Hospitality Group Vinay Patel, SREE Hotels, LLC Gonza Salamanca, Gonza Tacos Y Tequila Tom Sasser, Burke Hospitality

Nishith “Nish” Patel

Ian Sauer, Summit Hospitality Group LTD Billy Sewell, Platinum Corral, LLC Doug Stafford, Griffin Stafford Hospitality, LLC Steve Thanhauser, Angus Barn, Ltd. Charles Thompson, The Inn on Biltmore Estate

2022 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CO-CHAIRS Vinay Patel, SREE Hotels, LLC Jason Smith, 18 Restaurant Group 14 At Your Service | Spring 2022

Lance Trenary

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS

A LOOK INSIDE THE NCRLA 2022–2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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During the NCRLA Board of Directors meeting on February 7, NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges presented our 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. This plan documents NCRLA’s strategic directions, actions, and priorities for the next five years. It details exactly how NCRLA will achieve our mission of protecting, educating, and promoting North Carolina’s hospitality industry.

The five-year plan was prepared by NCRLA staff members with close guidance from the nine members of NCRLA’s Executive Committee. We revisited NCRLA’s 2015–2019 Strategic Plan and closely studied strategic plans from other state hospitality associations. We were also heavily guided by detailed feedback from NCRLA members over the past five years. The plan contains a strong focus on building a highly effective lobbying force at the federal and state levels, sharing our achievements and promoting North Carolina’s hospitality industry.

The 2022–2026 Strategic Plan will function as a directional document for NCRLA’s governance and administration. It will help us continue to advance and protect the interests of North Carolina’s hospitality industry, meet the challenges of our individual restaurant and lodging members, and achieve our shared objectives.

During the February 7 meeting, the NCRLA Board approved the plan. While this plan will serve as our guidebook for the next five years, it requires the active participation of NCRLA members to achieve successful execution.

OUR VOICE

NCRLA is the most trusted and influential voice for North Carolina’s hospitality industry.

WE WILL: • Invest in the resources necessary to be a highly effective lobbying force.

• Grow and manage a robust PAC and Advocacy Fund to ensure high-level engagement in the political landscape.

• Deliver respected and strategic programming to drive our agenda and protect the hospitality industry.

• Engage the membership in grassroots opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Maintain a leadership role in statewide coalitions and relevant commissions.

• Work to get NCRLA members on strategic boards and commissions.

• Ensure NCRLA leadership staff is aligned and engaged with key government agencies, committees, and task forces.

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OUR IMAGE

NCRLA promotes the impact of North Carolina’s hospitality industry.

WE WILL:

• Promote NCRLA, our initiative, and our achievements with greater clarity and consistency.

• Position NCRLA as a credible and responsive resource to media and government.

• Improve public education and member awareness through a strategic approach to marketing and communications.

• Use research to tell the industry story and improve outcomes for the industry.

• Promote career opportunities in the industry and showcase exemplary business and employees.

• Recognize industry champions, employees, and member businesses across the state.

• Foster greater collaborations with the NCRLA Foundation to advance the mission.

OUR VALUE

NCRLA demonstrates value by providing benefits, services, and opportunities of importance to members.

WE WILL: • I ncrease member value through targeted engagement opportunities.

•O ffer products and services that provide cost savings or operational improvements.

• F ocus on inclusivity and diversity through membership growth and leadership development.

•P rovide a robust concierge consultancy, education, and information program to support regulatory and statutory compliance.

•S eek public and private grant opportunities to advance the mission.

• Provide opportunities for members to connect.

• Cultivate workforce development opportunities.

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DELIVER SCIENTIFIC CLEAN, INSPIRE TRUST Start building a more confident clean.

See how Ecolab is helping restaurants achieve a Scientific Clean through Ecolab Science Certified™, a comprehensive science-based public health and food safety program.

Learn more at:

SCIENCECERTIFIED.COM ©2022 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved.

HELP PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS Contact us to learn more about the science behind the Ecolab Science Certified Program.

NC FOOD SAFETY

AND LODGING REGULATIONS

Do You Know the Top Risk Factors Related to the Rules Governing the Protection and Sanitation of Food Establishments?

Improper holding temperatures, inadequate cooking, contaminated equipment, and poor personal hygiene can lead to violations being noted by the local health department at restaurants and lodging establishments. While the rules outlining the procedures around food safety criteria reduce the risk of food-borne illness, the process of implementing these rules can be complicated.

NCRLA’s new Food Safety and Lodging Regulations Specialist Carolyn K. Griffin is here to help.

After 30 years as an Environmental Health Specialist at the local and state levels, she can answer member questions about the state’s public health requirements and enforcement activities at lodging establishments, restaurants, and other food-handling establishments. In her new role, Griffin has already helped an NCRLA member navigate rules related to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Plan (HACCP).

“Getting this scientific food service plan approved was one of the more challenging processes of my career,” said William Dissen, executive chef and owner of The Market Place Restaurant & Lounge in Asheville. “After consultation with Carolyn at NCRLA, we are now allowed to provide advance culinary practices in our restaurants that help us push the limits of delicious food.”

If you have any questions or would like any educational material related to food safety and lodging regulations, contact Carolyn Griffin at 919-844-0098 and cgriffin@ncrla.org.

Spring 2022 | At Your Service

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BEHIND THE SCENES: Chair 8 Senior Project Manager Lily Holden prepares the clapperboard on-set at the Washington Duke Inn moments before Area Director of Human Resources Deana Merrell speaks to her 30-year tenure with the hotel properties. Employee testimonial videos are highlighted on the hiring campaign landing page shown above.

BULL CITY HOTEL TRIO CELEBRATES CURRENT EMPLOYEES TO ATTRACT NEW ONES

By Kelly Propst, Vice President, Largemouth Communications With staffing challenges prevalent across the hospitality industry and beyond, how can restaurants and hotel properties differentiate to compete for talent?

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, JB Duke Hotel, and The Lodge at Duke Medical Center are three distinct properties located on and near Duke University’s campus in Durham. The trio of hotels is working with Largemouth Communications to develop a dynamic hiring campaign designed to meet nearterm needs while establishing tools to support overall employee recruitment and retention efforts for years to come.

A key component of the multifaceted 20 At Your Service | Spring 2022

communications strategy is to shine a spotlight on current employees, inviting them to share their own career paths and why they are passionate about their jobs.

“A primary focus of our hiring campaign is to immerse job seekers into a day in the life of our staff members.

We want them to get to know the work environment and help them envision the many ways to be part of a diverse, talented team,” said Julie Barrow, area director of sales and marketing for the hotel trio. “By highlighting friendly faces, harnessing the power of a story, and amplifying our message through multiple

communications channels, we are introducing our properties to a broader audience and connecting with potential candidates on a personal level.”

From the onset of strategic planning, it was important to demonstrate the diverse range of opportunities available at each property while unifying the three hotel brands and centralizing application information for candidates.

To help accomplish this vision, Largemouth tapped Raleigh-based digital agency Chair 8 to capture employee video testimonials and develop a cohesive landing page—all following the latest ADA compliance guidelines. The

JOIN OU R

TEAM

Build a rewardin g career

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS: Current staff members, like JB Duke Hotel Banquet Manager Ponnie Marcus and Washington Duke Inn Sous Chef Jason Gray, share their personal career paths and advice for future candidates, appearing in hiring campaign materials such as the recruitment flyer shown above.

“There are so many different opportunities available. You have people here who genuinely care about you, your career, your future and want the best for you.”

Exercise your tale nts and of our dy accomp namic w lish your o professio rk family Duke Un nal goals in Durha iversity ’s m, N.C . O as a mem c a m ur trio of ber pus, Wa Hotel an hotels lo shingto d T he L o n Duke cated ne d g e at D In ar n talent in & u ke Medic Golf Clu the hosp b, J B D u al Cente itality in ke r, are acti dustr y. vely recru With po iting top sitions ra n g in g from foo sales, we d and be invite yo verage to u to brow and watc human re se top jo h emplo b listing sources y e s, review e to te stimonia career p competi l videos ortal at h tive ben through ttps://du efits our onlin kehospit e alitycare ers.com .

“There a re so ma ny dif fere available nt oppo . You ha rtunities ve peop genuine le here wh ly care a o bout you your futu , your ca re and w reer, ant the best for you.”

Camryn Guti

errez Assistan t Guest R eception Washing Manage ton Duk r e Inn & G olf Club

View ca ree

rs & app

ly

—Camryn Gutierrez, Assistant Guest Reception Manager, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club agencies also worked collaboratively to design complementary collateral that directs back to the campaign site for information about current openings, competitive benefits, and unique offerings like the Manager In Training program.

A weekly “Hospitality Hiring Hour” event series kicked off the campaign to welcome interested candidates, career counselors, and instructors to explore the property. Hosted February through May each Tuesday from 4–5 p.m. in the Washington Duke Inn’s Holloway Board Room, attendees enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments prepared

by the properties’ own award-winning Fairview Dining Room culinary team while meeting with hiring decision makers.

By defining internal and external communications channels, Largemouth helped Washington Duke Inn, JB Duke Hotel, and The Lodge raise visibility for career opportunities and amplify hiring campaign messaging through a consistent drum beat of media relations, social media content development, and employee activation.

To view the Duke Hospitality Careers campaign landing page and watch employee testimonial videos, visit DukeHospitalityCareers.com.

Largemouth Communications specializes in leading PR strategy and messaging, media relations, social and corporate communications, issues management, brand activation, and more. We stand tall in our skills and services, ready to generate big ideas, big stories, and big impact.

LargemouthPR.com

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Regional Roundup New Urban Innovation Hub with Restaurants Coming to Greenville

A new urban hub is being developed in Uptown Greenville near the East Carolina University campus. The 19-acre Intersect East will be an all-in-one, mixed-use campus that will benefit ECU, the health professional community, and Greenville residents. Intersect East will contain 16 buildings that will house restaurants, offices, residences, a large municipal park, and research space for ECU. The project is scheduled to be completed in multiple phases over the next 8–10 years.

Charlotte Restaurant Owners Pursue Social Districts

Bar and restaurant owners in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood and NoDa neighborhoods are pushing local officials to create social districts that allow their patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages on the streets. Attorney Russell Ferguson with the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association says signage would clearly mark where adults can legally and openly drink alcohol. Ferguson believes that walkable neighborhoods such as Plaza Midwood are ideal for the proposal.

“We want to make sure it’s a thriving vibrant city,” Ferguson said. “Businesses that are participating will use takeout cups and pour the beverages. Those cups will have the name of the business, so there’s some accountability there.”

Charlotte City Council would need to approve the plan. Currently, there is no timeline for the city council to consider creating social districts, but many bar and restaurant owners are seeking approval by spring or early summer.

Hotel Sales Are Booming in Buncombe County

Asheville’s hotel and lodging market continues to show strong growth. Total lodging sales for Buncombe County came in at $55.9 million for November. This is a 54% increase over November 2020, according to a report from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Don Warn, Buncombe County’s finance director and the fiscal agent for the TDA, called the October and November lodging numbers “amazing.” TDA President and CEO Vic Isley and board Chair Kathleen Mosher noted in a press release that Asheville-area hotel occupancy has still not returned to the 2019 level.

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Significant Savings on Services Your Business Uses Every Day. COMPLIMENTARY NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP Receive benefits offered through the National Restaurant Association, including industry trends, services, and more. Call 800-424-5156 or visit Restaurant.org/Membership/Tools-Solutions.

FOOD SAFETY & ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING Nationally recognized and accredited foodservice sanitation, alcohol server, and allergen training for managers and employees.

20% discount on all ServSafe products.

Call 919-844-0098 or visit NCRLA.org/servsafe-certification-courses.

MUSIC LICENSING Broadcast Music, Inc. is the bridge between songwriters and the businesses and organizations that want to play their music publicly. Save up to 20% on annual fees. Call 800-925-8451 or visit BMI.com.

WORKER'S COMPENSATION Getting a 5% credit on workers’ compensation coverage is like Carolina Barbecue: just right!

EMPLOYERS now offers a 5% credit to all eligible members along with low premiums and affordable payment plans.

Visit Employers.com/NCRLA for more info.

CREDIT & DEBIT CARD PROCESSING/ PAYROLL SERVICES Benefit from payment processing solutions, loyalty programs, fair pricing, and more. Plus, enjoy superior service that’s available 24/7 with the most reliable data security solution in the country.

Call 888-963-3600 or visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com.

STR Exclusive discounts on various customizable regional reports and industry profiles, including the STR Report.

Call 615-824-8664 or visit STR.com.

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Class Action Capital specializes in the early identification of class action settlement opportunities for restaurant and hotels. Learn more at 914-200-0020 or ClassActionCapital.com/ncrla.

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS Get easy access to healthcare coverage and other valuable resources and tools. Receive an exclusive 5% discount on group health plans. Call 301-865-7058 or visit UHCTogether.com/forms/NCRLA/form41146.gsp.

HOSPITALITY HEALTHCARE PLANS Offer your workers affordable healthcare with copays, prescription coverage, hospitalization, and more for as little as $4 per day. Visit InsPeopleofNC.com/ncrlabenefits-program-from-insurance-people.

LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE Restaurants, bars, and taverns, receive 20% off your liquor liability insurance with Hospitality Insurance Group (HIG). Keep your local insurance agent or use one of theirs. Visit HMIC.com and click on the contact tab, or call 508-366-1140.

STREAMLINED ALCOHOL PAYMENTS Simplify alcohol purchase payments, ensure compliance, and track purchase data securely with Fintech. 50% off setup fees and ongoing preferred pricing. Visit go.fintech.com/NorthCarolinaRLA.

222 NORTH PERSON ST, SUITE 210 | RALEIGH, NC 27601 | 919.844.0098 | NCRLA.ORG

SHAKE UP

THE EVERYDAY.

Orangina is back. The original sparkling citrus refresher from France. That unique combination of real citrus juices, mandarin orange pulp and fine bubbles beloved around the world. Serve it au naturel or in a cocktail. Either way, Orangina is the sweet citrus sunshine that can shake up the everyday.

ShakeUpTheEveryday.com

Member Moments Proudly Recognizing North Carolina’s Hospitality Leaders

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SEVERAL NC CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS The Umstead Hotel & Spa

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

The James Beard Foundation recently announced the semifinalists for the famed restaurant industry awards. Several North Carolina chefs and restaurants are featured on this year’s list. North Carolina chefs compete in the Southeast region, which includes Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The 20 semifinalists in each category will be narrowed to five nominees per category.

The 2022 winners will be crowned during a ceremony on June 13 at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Congratulations to all the semifinalists from North Carolina, especially our NCRLA members: Outstanding Restaurant: Chai Pani, Asheville Emerging Chef: Cleophus Hethington, Benne on Eagle, Asheville Outstanding Hospitality: Cúrate, Asheville

The Fearrington House Inn

30 NORTH CAROLINA HOTELS RECOGNIZED BY US NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Outstanding Bar Program: Alley Twenty Six, Durham Best Chef Southeast: Katie Button, Cúrate, Asheville Best Chef Southeast: Cheetie Kumar, Garland, Raleigh Best Chef Southeast: Ricky Moore, SALTBOX Seafood Joint, Durham

US News & World Report recently released its annual rankings of top luxury hotels across the country. To no surprise, 30 North Carolina hotels made the list, with NCRLA members claiming the top 10 spots in the state. NCLRA members The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, and The Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro were named the top three hotels in North Carolina.

Rounding out the top 10 NC hotels are The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte, The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in Charlotte, The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, O. Henry Hotel in Greensboro, Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, and The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem.

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Biscuitville Partners with Community Coffee Biscuitville recently opened its 67th southeastern location in Whittsett, NC. To celebrate the grand opening, Biscuitville partnered with Community Coffee, a familyowned company that boasts four generations of coffee roasters. Burney Jennings, Executive Chair of Biscuitville, and Matt Saurage, fourth generation owner of Community Coffee, sat down with WGHP Fox 8 to discuss their new collaboration.

Lance Trenary Named Chair of National Restaurant Association’s Board Golden Corral president and CEO Lance Trenary has been named chair of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors. Trenary is also currently a trustee for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, serves on NCRLA’s executive committee, and serves as a member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum CEO Advisory Council. Committed to giving back, Trenary serves as a founding board member for Camp Corral, a summer camp for children of wounded or fallen military service members. He also serves on the Founder’s Circle Advisory Board for Project Healing Waters, which is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded or disabled military service personnel. A passionate supporter of ProStart, Trenary contributes his time and resources to help young people explore careers in hospitality.

Saltbox Seafood Celebrated Black History Month with Weekly Meals Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint celebrated Black History Month for the second year in a row by cooking up special meals each Wednesday in February. James Beard-nominated Chef and owner Ricky Moore said he hoped the dishes spark conversation to help educate people about the global influence of African food.

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À La Carte

A sampler of hospitality news stories

NCRLA Wins ISHA Award of Excellence

Annual Report Details Restaurant Industry Recovery The National Restaurant Association’s 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry report provides a detailed look at the restaurant industry’s continued recovery. It also reveals several trends in technology and off-premises business, operations, workforce, food and menus, and more. According to the report, the foodservice industry is forecast to reach $898 billion in sales in 2022. The foodservice industry workforce is projected to grow by 400,000 jobs, for total industry employment of 14.9 million by the end of 2022. More than half of restaurant operators said it would be a year or more before business conditions return to normal. Food, labor, and occupancy costs are expected to remain elevated, and continue to impact restaurant profit margins in 2022. Approximately 96% of operators experienced supply delays or shortages of key food or beverage items in 2021. These challenges are expected to continue in 2022. NCRLA members can download a free copy of the complete report.

AHLA Report Forecasts Uneven Hotel Recovery in 2022 According to the 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the hotel industry will continue moving toward recovery this year. However, the path will be uneven and potentially volatile, with a full recovery still several years away. The report reveals shifts in consumer and business sentiment. Hotel occupancy rates and room revenue are projected to approach 2019 levels in 2022. The outlook for ancillary revenue, which includes food and beverage and meeting space, is less optimistic. Leisure travelers will continue to drive recovery. In 2019, business travelers made up 52.5% of industry room revenue; in 2022, it is projected to represent just 43.6%.

The International Society of Hotel Associations recognized NCRLA with the 2021 ISHA Awards of Excellence for Public Relations for our work with NC DHHS and NC State Extension to develop Count On Me NC. The award-winning public health information campaign provides COVID-19 health and safety training to businesses and resources to patrons.

NCRLA President & CEO Lynn Minges is serving as the ISHA Officers and Board of Directors Chair for 2022, as well as the ISHA Representative to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Board.

DoorDash Creates Disaster Relief Fund for Restaurants To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund provides $10,000 grants to restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes. More information and an online application are available on the DoorDash website.

Social and Dining Districts Expand Across North Carolina North Carolina cities and towns are continuing to create permanent outdoor dining areas and social districts where bars and restaurants can serve their customers.

Kannapolis was the first to establish a social district after the ABC omnibus bill passed last year. In downtown Greensboro, restaurant and bar customers can now drink alcoholic beverages on public streets between noon and 9 p.m. The city of Hickory is in the process of finalizing their new downtown social district. Local leaders in Albemarle, Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, and other cities are currently exploring options for social districts. NCRLA will continue to work closely with local municipalities to establish and expand these outdoor spaces that provide much-needed opportunities for restaurants, bars, and other businesses.

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Help protect your most important investment Great employees deserve great benefits. By offering health and wellness coverage from UnitedHealthcare, you can give your staff support that’s designed to help them feel their best.

Flexibility that fits Businesses aren’t “one size fits all.” That’s why UnitedHealthcare provides product and network flexibility designed to help meet your diverse needs. Choose from a wide variety of plan options for: • Medical • Dental • Vision

Learn more For more information or to get your NCRLA member quote, contact your broker or Moriah Murphy at moriah.murphy@optum.com

Putting people first Your employees work hard to make every customer experience count. Help them take good care of their physical and mental health with programs and services to help improve employee wellness, productivity and retention.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided

by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina, Inc. B2B EI1060104.0 9/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-1060250