Thurs., Aug. 21, 2025
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Networking hour and light breakfast: 9-10am
Program: 10-11am

An enormous contributor to Wake County's success and appeal as a visitor destination over the years is its culinary scene. In 2024, the county collected $46.4 million in food and beverage taxes, an all-time high, and an indicator that more visitors are putting significant amounts of dollars into the hands of restaurateurs and into the local economy, while also allowing our destination to invest more into tourism-related developments and marketing to attract even more visitors. Visitor spending at Wake County's restaurants is an integral part of the tourism cycle.

Thanks to the brilliant minds of our talented chefs and restaurant owners, the food scene continues to make headlines—chefs are nominated for coveted James Beard Awards annually, major national publications continue to write stories about our dining experiences and, most recently, the MICHELIN Guide announced it would be coming to the South to explore our restaurants and produce the MICHELIN Guide: American South.

At this Annual Meeting, we will host a panel of some of Wake County's brightest minds in the restaurant business, moderated by Raleigh Magazine publisher Gina Stephens. Attendees will hear directly from thought leaders about what makes our food scene so special and attractive and perhaps be inspired to find synergies in promoting their own businesses to visitors alongside their culinary hospitality peers.

New for this year, catch up with each Wake County municipality at designated tables to hear about new or must-try restaurants across the destination! From Apex to Zebulon, representatives will be ready to share delicious dining ideas.

Tickets are $45 each and can purchased online by Thurs., Aug. 7, 2025.

Please plan to arrive at 9am to catch up with your hospitality colleagues from around the county and enjoy a light breakfast in the theater lobby. Fruits, parfaits, pastries, bagels, muffins and breakfast burritos will be available (vegan and gluten-free options will be included). 

This year's memorial and leadership awards will be presented to:

Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award: The Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will receive the award for their efforts in developing and operating the successful Downtown Cary Park, charming visitors with its expansive layout, creative, modern amenities and endless ways for visitors to enjoy their day. With places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317), plus The Nest playground, performing arts pavilion, dog park and so much more, every visit can feel like a brand-new experience. This innovative public space is of the highest caliber and is being recognized nationwide; in April, The Nest was voted the nation's top playground in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

John B. Ross Jr. Leadership Award: Executive director of the Centennial Authority, Jeff Merritt has spent his career raising the region's profile and making sure Wake County is ready to host major events that draw significant visitation. Under Jeff's leadership, the Authority is moving forward with major enhancements to Lenovo Center and the development of a surrounding sports and entertainment district that will be a game-changer for the destination. Jeff's work continues to make a big impact on visitation and the growth of our hospitality industry. He's a strong example of the kind of leader this award was made to recognize.

Again this year, GRCVB will provide support to a worthy Wake County nonprofit initiative. This year, $5 from each ticket will be designated to the BackPack Buddies program, providing school children who are experiencing food insecurity with kid-friendly, pre-packed bags of nutritious food for weekends.

We look forward to celebrating Wake County's restaurant reputation with all of you on Aug. 21!
 

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