Soprana, Embassy Suites Staff Named NCRLA’s 2026 Stars of The Industry
Huge congratulations to Soprana Rooftop Cucina’s Christopher Lovegood and Embassy Suites’s Thomas Barton for being named 2026 Stars of the Industry by N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA)!
We’ll be celebrating alongside Parks Hospitality Group at the 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala on Monday, February 23, in Durham. Hosted by NCRLA and presented by US Foods, this annual award is the most prestigious honor in the state’s industry and celebrates “exceptional professionals who make North Carolina’s hospitality industry thrive”.
Lodging Employee of the Year: Thomas Barton, Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, Asheville
Restaurant Employee of the Year: Christopher Lovegood, Soprana Rooftop Cucina, Asheville
From front of house to executive leadership, these awards spotlight the commitment, care, and consistency it takes to do hospitality well, day in and day out.
