Scott Crawford named NCRLA Restauranteur of the Year
The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association has announced its annual Stars of the Industry award winners.
Scott Crawford, of Crawford Hospitality, is the 2023 Restaurateur of the Year. The five-time James Beard semi-finalist opened Crawford and Son in downtown Raleigh in 2016. Next door, he opened French bistro, Jolie, followed in 2019. Two years later, Crawford Cookshop opened in Clayton.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crawford was outspoken about the challenges the restaurant industry faced.
Crawford is also opening two new restaurants this year. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse is set to open in Cary's Fenton development and Italian and Croatian restaurant, Brodeto, at Raleigh Iron Works.
NCRLA 2023 Stars of the Industry winners list:
- Restaurateur of the Year: Scott Crawford - Crawford Hospitality
- Lodging Operator of the Year: Gary Chhabra - CMC Hotels
- Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community: Steve Thanhauser and Van Eure - Angus Barn
- Griff and June Glover Award for Service to the Association: Dave Gronewoller - GC Partners Inc.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lance Trenary - Golden Corral Corporation
- Hospitality Partner of the Year: Steve Troxler - Department of Agriculture
- Restaurant Managers of the Year: Igor Gacina - Parizade and Ashley Greene - Bluewater Waterfront Grill
- Lodging Managers of the Year: Jason Whitaker - Extended Stay America and Mike Masri - Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- Restaurant Employees of the Year: Matthew Barry - Midwood Smokehouse and Tiffany Oates - Biscuitville
- Lodging Employees of the Year: Charles Prince - TownePlace Suites Wilmington; Regina Triche - Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonsville; Faustina Tagoe - The Umstead Hotel & Spa
- Hospitality Champions of the Year: Rep. John Bradford and Sen. Phil Berger
The winners will be honored at a ceremony on Monday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham.
