One Community. One Vision. One Voice.

6036 Six Forks Road

Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: (919) 844-0098

Your Monthly Taste... www.TheTasteofNC.com

Many people do not know that one of the world’s most famous drinks February 28, 2011, 6pm
was created right here in North Carolina! Here’s it’s story: Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club

Caleb Bradham of New Bern, North Carolina was a pharmacist. Like

many pharmacists, he had a soda fountain in his drugstore, where he
served his customers refreshing drinks, many of which he had created
himself. His most popular drink was something he called “Brad’s
drink” made of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare oils, pepsin and
cola nuts.

“Brad’s drink”, created in the summer of 1893, was later renamed

Pepsi Cola in 1898 after the pepsin and cola nuts used in the recipe.

Today Pepsi can be found in every corner of the world, including at

the 2011 Taste of North Carolina!

Become a Fan of the Taste of

North Carolina on Facebook!
www.NCRLA.biz
One Community. One Vision. One Voice. February 2011

Community North Carolina Hospitality Award Winners Announced
Calendar Winners will receive their awards at the 2011 Taste of North Carolina!

E
February 28, 2011 ach year, several members of NCRLA are
Taste of North Carolina recognized for their outstanding performance
Washington Duke
and service in the industry. These awards have
Inn & Golf Club
become the most coveted in the industry each year, as
June 5-6, 2011 they represent the finest operators North Carolina’s
Future of Hospitality hospitality industry has to offer.
The Angus Barn &
North Ridge The awards include Restaurateur of the Year, Lodging
The 2011 Taste of North Carolina
Country Club, Operator of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and the
Raleigh will be held on February 28, at the
Griff & June Glover Award for Outstanding Service to
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.
NCRLA. In 2010, NCRLA announced the addition of
visit two new awards, the Restaurant Employee of the Year
NCRLA.BIZ Award and the Lodging Employee of the year award, each of which recognizes the line-level
for more details
employees without whom any restaurant or lodging operation would be unable to provide
service.
Find your ServSafe
classes for 2011! NCRLA received many nominations for a wide-ranging group of candidates, and in the end,
Visit ncrla.biz/servsafe. the award committees have made phenomenal choices. Turn to page 4 to find out who will
be taking home this year’s awards. NCRLA would like to remind you that you can meet all
the winners at this year’s Taste of North Carolina on February 28 at the Washington Duke
Inn & Golf Club. Get your tickets online at www.TheTasteofNC.com.
Continued on page 4.

New ABC Rule Changes Become Official on April 1, 2011

I n the fall of 2010, NCRLA notified you of pending ABC rule changes
that NCRLA introduced and recommended to ABC officials. These
rule amendments are approved as of January 1 but will not be added to the
administrative code and ABC website until April 1, 2011.

North Carolina ALE is currently being educated on these new rules so

they may not be aware of these changes as of yet but all NC ABC on-
premise permit holders can follow these new rules without fear of fines or
violations.

Among these changes include new rules for kitchen closure times, beer
and wine tastings, advertising, tax stamps, and an updated definition of
‘intoxicated,’ among others.

A complete list of changes is available on the NCRLA home page at

www.ncrla.biz.

www.NCRLA.biz 1
 THANK YOU, 2011
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Current 3 Star Partners
IFH Foodservice Distribution
One of the 13 largest food
distributors in the country. Bonterra
Carolina Crab and Fish
SIA Group Chris Burgin Designs
Serving insurance needs of
businesses and individuals Elizabeth’s Pizza
since 1975. Hampton Inn - Selma
Home-Towne Suites - Greenville
Pepsi
Perhaps one of the most famous
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
brands on the planet. Sepsensor Inc.
The Chamber’s Group
S&D Coffee, Inc. The Franklin Hotel
A leading US coffee roaster catering
to the foodservice industry, S&D The Sea Witch Motel
Coffee serves some 100 million
pounds of coffee to more than 70,000
Thank You - Renewing Members!
customers in the US.
Asheville Chamber VB
FHM Insurance Backyard Bistro
FHM Insurance Company is one of Beacon Motor Lodge Nags Head
the oldest and most experienced
workers’ compensation companies in Blue
the Southeast. Bob’s Barbecue Restaurant
Cabaret Systems
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Chapel Hill Courtyard Marriott
NC Hospitality is the Official Publication of the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham
North Carolina Restaurant
E & S Marketing
and Lodging Association
Golden Corral/Jax’s #2420
News Items and Research Triangle East
advertising inquires: High Hampton Inn and Country Club
Derek Levandowski Hilton Durham near Duke University
Islander Motel Nags Head
Email: DerekL@NCRLA.biz Old Edwards Inn and Spa
1 (800) 582-8750 One Source
Research Triangle East
Read NC Hospitality Online! Sleep Inn Inn & Suites
Visit The Swag Country Inn
www.NCRLA.biz/Newsletter Tipton’s/Hilton Durham
Windjammer
2 www.NCRLA.biz
 Your Partner
Beyond the Plate ®

DEFINES US. IT’S WHAT WE ARE.

AND WHAT WE DO. EVERY DAY.
To exist in today’s world, showing up to the party isn’t enough...
You have to bring your “A” game. You have to have unquestionable
products and service. You have to fuse strong and enduring
connections — with business partners and the
communities in which they live.
You have to live Beyond.

This is U.S. Foodservice’s® belief.

We are dedicated to being the most
trusted, respected, knowledgeable
and service-oriented partner
one can choose.

We believe in making
a difference and going
beyond the plate to RALEIGH DIVISION
help customers win. 1500 NC Highway 39
As “Your Partner Beyond the Plate®”, Zebulon, NC
919.404.4100
U.S. Foodservice® offers a tremendous
www.raleigh.usfoodservice.com
variety of the world’s finest food, equipment
and supplies. But we know the power of
FORT MILL DIVISION
brands, too. Our collection of exclusive
125 Fort Mill Parkway
brands, as well as national and local/regional Fort Mill, SC
manufacturer brands, provides a product 803.802.6000
selection unmatched in its variety. www.fortmill.usfoodservice.com
www.NCRLA.biz 3
 Restaurateur of the Year and Lodging Operator of the Year

C ongratulation to Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Hospitality, on

being the 2011 Restaurateur of the Year!

“Dean Ogan is a competitive, successful business owner, and dedicated,

active member of the community,” said Jeff Schenk, of Beverage
Builders. “Dean has gained respect and admiration from his peers. He
has developed an outstanding company culture, displays admirable
business ethics, and is a role model to every restaurateur in the area.”

Since opening for business in 1998, Rocky Top Hospitality has been
thriving! Rocky Top’s lineup of popular restaurants include Bogart’s
American Grill, Hi5, Red Room Tapas Lounge, Michael Dean’s
Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar, Twisted Fork Grill, Market & Bar,
Tribecca Tavern and the Mash House.

“I’m honored and humbled to win this award. I am sincerely thankful

to all of my colleagues and partners for supporting the charitable path
we have chosen to take with Rocky Top Hospitality,” said Ogan. “We
believe that community service is not an extracurricular activity, but a
mandatory part of our day to day routine. To us, it is just as important as
providing excellent food, beverage and service.”

Aside from having an impeccable business model, Rocky Top

Hospitality has been very active in the community. In 2010, they served
as a ‘signature sponsor’ for the 16th Annual Jingle Ball, and also raised
over $7,000 for the Memories for Marcus fund raiser.

J im Beley, General Manager of the Umstead Hotel and Spa, is the

2011 Lodging Operator of the Year! Jim Beley has gained much
respect and admiration from the hospitality community and his
coworkers.

“Since taking the position in January 2009, Jim has been a wonderful
leader to all 318 associates at the Umstead,” said Kathy Brown, Human
Resources Director at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. “Jim leads by
example, and the vision and values of the hotel are at the forefront of his
daily activities.”

“Being a lodging operator for over 30 years, I feel humbled by the

recognition and I do accept this award for all of the wonderful
employees of the Umstead,” said Beley. “Through employees’ daily effort
in providing excellent service, it allows me to be involved in industry
and community efforts. I look forward to representing the industry in
the year ahead.”

Beley was informed that he won his award by last year’s winner, Mike
Martino of the Sheraton Imperial of Durham.

“Jim was called to the Boardroom, where in attendance were his wife
and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodnight and the hotels Executive
Committee,” said Martino. “Needless to say he was speechless.”

4 www.NCRLA.biz
 Griff & June Glover Award and Supplier of the Year

C ongratulations to Billy Sewell of Platinum Corral for winning

the Griff & June Glover Award for Outstanding Service to
NCRLA! If you have been to any of NCRLA’s legislative or political
action events in the last few years, you likely have witnessed Billy’s
dedication first hand.

Sewell has served countless hours as the Chairman of the NCRLA

Government Affairs Committee since it’s inception five years ago.
Sewell has also dedicated his time to various NCRLA events, such
as the Off to the Races Breakfast and Manteo to Murphy PAC Fund
raisers.

“I am honored and privileged to be recognized with this award,” said

Sewell, fittingly at the first Government Affairs Committee meeting
on January 19, 2011. “I give my time and service not to be recognized,
but am very appreciative of the recognition. I look forward to
continuing to give back to an industry that has been very good to me
over the years.”

Sewell’s dedication is noted by his peers, as well.

“Billy’s contribution to NCRLA PAC fund raising throughout the

recessionary economy has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said
Christina Larson of Longhorn Steakhouse. “Billy has a unique way
of keeping us focused on why we must band together and pool our
resources - to lobby and educate our lawmakers about who really
creates jobs; and prevent onerous legislation that handcuffs our ability
to grow and operate our businesses.”

C ongratulations to Greg Weatherford, of Sysco, on being the

Supplier of the Year for 2011! No food service operation would
be able to properly conduct business without a supplier that met their
needs. For many businesses across the state, and across the world,
Sysco is that supplier. For over 20 years, Greg Weatherford has been
a large part of helping people in the hospitality industry build and
improve their business.

As Vice President of Sales, Greg Weatherford has put his company at

the forefront of North Carolina’s hospitality industry. For fiscal 2010,
Sysco reported sales of $37.2 billion and net earnings of $1.2 billion!

When told about his award, Weatherford was touched, saying “I am

absolutely humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award by our
industry leaders. It’s an honor that will not be forgotten.”

Greg has not only been active in the hospitality industry, but in his
community, as well. He is the 2011 Chair of NC HEF, a board
member for the Eastern NC Food Bank, a member of the Advisory
Board at ECU College of Human Ecology, and Board Member of
First United Methodist Church of Rocky Mount. If all that wasn’t
enough, Greg was also a volunteer fire fighter for 27 years.

If anyone is deserving of recognition for his hard work and dedication, 5

it is Greg Weatherford. www.NCRLA.biz
 Restaurant and Lodging Employees of the Year

C ongratulations to Kim Almond, bartender and server at

Applebee’s in Raleigh, who has been named the first recipient
of the Restaurant Employee of the Year Award.

Since beginning her job with Applebee’s in 2005, Kim has shown
herself to be a proven leader in her restaurant. Always leading by
example. Not only has she been a great coach to other employees
on the staff, she has also done a great deal for her community
through Apple Gold’s various charitable events.

“I wish I had 20 Kims in my restaurant!” says General Manager

Sharron Little. “Kim is so involved. She is enthusiastic about our
fund raisers and community involvement, and is just as passionate
about her guests. Kim is an all around asset to our team and
always gives 110%.”

Recognition for her hard work is not a new occurrence for Kim.
She was chosen by the management team at her restaurant as
the 2009 AppleStar of the Year, as well as the AppleStar of the
month for 2010. The AppleStar program is Applebee’s version of
employee of the month/year.

A my Petro, Guest Service Representative at the Hilton

Garden Inn of Durham, has been named the first-
ever recipient of the Lodging Employee of the Year Award!
Congratulations Amy!

Amy Petro consistently goes above and beyond her job duties
to ensure that guests of the Hilton Garden Inn are happy
with their stay. Since beginning her position with the hotel
in November of 2008, the hotel has received numerous
compliments on Amy’s performance and the guest services she
provided to them.

Amy is constantly reading the special guest request comments

and communicating with housekeeping and other departments
to insure that the guest’s needs are met to perfection.

One guest, in a letter to the Hilton Garden Inn, said “I want to

thank you for having such dedicated staff...job well done, Amy.”

NCRLA congratulates Amy Petro on being the first-ever

Lodging Employee of the Year! You can meet both of these
first-time award winners at the 2011 Taste of North Carolina on
February 28, 2011 at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club.

6 www.NCRLA.biz 6
 Governor Perdue Comes Out Against ABC Privatization
By The Associated Press

DURHAM (AP) — Gov. Bev Perdue opposes privatizing North

Carolina’s liquor store operations, saying the one-time increase in
revenue it would generate wouldn’t be worth changing the system.

Perdue said Thursday the system has worked well at controlling

alcohol for 70 years. She unveiled her views on the subject before a
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners meeting in
Durham.

Perdue says information from a consultant shows the state would

receive around $300 million by giving licenses to outside retailers
to sell liquor. But she says she doesn’t want to be the governor that
puts liquor in every retail or convenience store.

Perdue says the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is

trying to make the more than 400 government-run local stores
more profitable.

First Data - Endorsed NCRLA Program to Save You Money!

Solutions to Help Grow Your Restaurant!
First Data and NCRLA have partnered to provide
complete solutions for all types of restaurants
- from QSR to Casual to Fine Dining.

Whether you need a payment solution for your

POS system, Telecheck® Check Acceptance
Solutions, or gift cards, we can help with a
single-source solution - including one statement
and one funding source for all your payment
transactions.*
Call 1-800-582-8750
and NCRLA will set you up with a
First Data Representative!
7 7
6 *Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Speak to a representative for more details. www.NCRLA.biz
 Supplier Spotlight - National Food Equipment Services

S ince in 1974, National Food Equipment

Services has grown into one of the better
known and most respected food service
equipment repair and maintenance companies
in the state of North Carolina. National
Food Equipment Services provides a variety
of services, including spare parts, installation,
repair and preventative maintenance tailored
to meet the needs of their clients.

With over 25 factory trained service

technicians and on call service available
24/7/365, customer service has always
been their top priority! Serving everyone from restaurants to resorts, to country clubs and even colleges and corporate
cafeterias, National Food Equipment Services brings an expertise and dedication to the table that is hard to find, and an
invaluable resource to any business that has a kitchen.

“The way we’ve tried to set ourselves apart is in our responsiveness and dedication to customer satisfaction,” says company
President Tim Wheeler. “A broken piece of equipment can mean the difference between being open or closed, in many
cases. Whether it is an oven or a refrigeration unit, or a large cooler – hot or cold, it doesn’t matter, we cover it all.”

With that in mind, National Food Equipment Services differentiates themselves with their awareness and mindfulness of
a restaurant’s time, and will usually have a technician out within a few hours.

“A lot of companies might take three or four days to get a problem fixed,” said Wheeler, “but to us, having a technician
there the next day is the worst case scenario. We want to get it taken care of immediately.”

Because of the nature of vital equipment in a restaurant or hotel kitchen, Wheeler also points out that sometimes the best
way to deal with a problem is to prevent it from ever occurring.

“We offer preventive maintenance agreements, wherein our technicians will periodically inspect your equipment
and perform the routine maintenance to try and ensure something doesn’t break down,” said Wheeler. “If a piece
of equipment is out of warranty, this can be the best way to really maximize the mileage you get out of that given
equipment.”

With certified technicians in servicing over 40 brands,

including Vulcan, Hardt, Bunn, and Champion, National
Food Equipment Service is a reliable, fast and effective
allied member of NCRLA that can really make a
difference for your business. For a complete list of brands
that can be serviced, visit www.nationalfes.com/services.

Call National Food Equipment Services today at 1(800)

558-0504 and find out why customers all over North
Carolina have been satisfied for over 37 years!

8
www.NCRLA.biz
 Have you completed your
checklist?
Before your first guest walks in the door, you need to
know who will represent you in case of liability claims
from employees or patrons, incidents of food borne
illness, dram shop litigation, business disputes including
leases—the list goes on. Cranfill Sumner Hartzog offers
experienced legal guidance for the lodging/restaurant
industry. Make us part of your team.

: I 8 E = @ C C  J L D E < I    ? 8 I K Q F >  CCG

BECAUSE WORKING WITH YOUR LAWYER SHOULDN’T BE A TRIAL.

CSHLAW.COM
RALEIGH t

CHARLOTTE t WILMINGTON

Supplier Directory Can Connect You with Goods and Service Providers
What is the Supplier Directory?
NCRLA has hundreds of Allied Members who supply
goods and services to restaurants, hotels and other
businesses throughout North Carolina, many of whom give
discounts to NCRLA members! The supplier directory is a
comprehensive searchable list of these suppliers!

NCRLA encourages our restaurant and hotel members

to support NCRLA’s allied members when seeking
services for your restaurant or hotel. Visit the NCRLA
Supplier Directory at www.ncrla.biz/suppliers to find www.ncrla.biz/suppliers
the goods or services you need.

Please note...if you have a good relationship with a

supplier that is not listed in our directory, we encourage
you to get them on board as an allied member by letting
us know who they are so we can contact them about
membership. Please send any suppliers you would like
to see become a member to DerekL@ncrla.biz.

www.NCRLA.biz 9
 NCRL A Community News One Community. One Vision. One Voice.

The Historic Hotels of America Executive Committee has appointed Ron

Morin, Vice-President and Managing Director of The Grove Park Inn
Resort & Spa, as its new chairman. Historic Hotels of America is a program
of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has identified more than
234 hotels that have maintained their historic architecture and ambience.
To be selected for this program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in
or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as
having historic significance.

Summit Hotel Properties plans to launch a road show to woo investors.

The hotel operator is preparing for an initial public offering. Summit has not
announced how many shares it will put up for sale.

In the coming year, NC Green Hospitality will be broadening their outreach

beyond green lodging. Their extended focus will be on greening the tourism
industry in North Carolina as a whole, including hotels, motels, resorts,
bars, restaurants, B&Bs, parks, transportation, sports venues, attractions, ski
country and more.

Battleship North Carolina Celebrates 50 Years in 2011! 2011 marks 50

years since the Battleship North Carolina was brought to Wilmington, North
Carolina. Since its arrival in 1961, the World War II memorial has been one
of the region’s top tourist attractions.

There’s an App for that! Fat Tony’s Italian Pub of Wilmington has
introduced an iPhone App. The application offers exclusive coupons and the
latest news on specials and promotions. The application can be downloaded
from the iTunes store.

Wilmington businesses could see a boost from March 18-20th during the
Cape Fear Wildlife Expo! Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy three days of
hunting and fishing exhibitors, wildlife art, decoys, boats and accessories,
truck and ATV displays, fly fishing demos, camping, guides, outfitters,
sportfishing simulator, contests, archery demos and fun for the entire family.

Have News? Has your business won a recent award?

10
14 www.NCRLA.biz Let us know! Send your news to DerekL@ncrla.biz
 Who cares if one restaurant “makes it”, when there are
always a dozen more right down the street that might not?
Sysco does!
Every day good restaurants come and go. At Sysco, we are working to eliminate the “go”
part. We support our customers, offering expert guidance on mastering the business end
of restaurants success.

The way we see it, every restaurant that stays open is a triumph...for the owners and
staff, for us, and most importantly for the people out there who just love good food!

Sysco’s Mission
Helping Our Customers Succeed
Contact a Sysco location near you to start building for your future
www.sysco.com

Serving North Carolina

Sysco Raleigh - www.syscoraleigh.com
Sysco Charlotte - www.syscocharlotte.com
11
www.NCRLA.biz