GOLDEN CORRAL’S GRONEWOLLER FAMILY BUILDING A BUSINESS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Many in the industry recognize Dave Gronewoller as an esteemed Golden Corral franchise and business owner who operates GC Partners. He got his start in the franchising industry 29 years ago. Since then, Gronewoller has added 14 restaurants across five states to his growing portfolio—with an annual revenue of $69 million. Now, along with his sons Brendyn and Nathan, he has expanded the business and is heading into the future with GRO Restaurant Group, and GRO-FS.

Throughout his career, Gronewoller has been committed to the betterment of the hospitality industry, serving on the NCRLA Board of Directors and as a founding trustee of the NCRLA Educational Foundation. For now, Gronewoller has no plans to step back anytime soon. “We are in this for the long term,” Gronewoller said. “As far as my personal exit strategy, as soon as Brendyn and our leadership team are comfortable, I’ll exit!”

NCRLA Allied Member Shannon Sykes, President & CEO of Authorized Commercial Equipment Service (ACES) in Charlotte, was recently elected as the Vice President of the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association (CFESA) Board of Directors. Sykes brings over 30 years of industry experience to her new role. “I recognize that my knowledge of ‘old school’ ways is just as valuable as the new way,” she said “Having grown up in this industry, I have seen many changes.” Sykes will serve as CFESA Vice President for a two-year term.

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. There are 11 total semifinalist nominations from North Carolina. The 2023 winners will be crowned during a ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Congratulations to all the semifinalists from North Carolina.

Greg Collier, Leah & Louise | Charlotte

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Heff’s Burger Club | Winston-Salem

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Kingfisher | Durham

Salud Cerveceria | Charlotte

BEST CHEF, SOUTHEAST

Sam Hart, Counter- | Charlotte

Josiah McGaughey, Vivian | Asheville

Dean Neff, Seabird | Wilmington

Keith Rhodes, Catch | Wilmington

Stephanie Tyson, Sweet Potatoes | Winston-Salem

Preeti Waas, Cheeni Indian Food Emporium | Raleigh