Explore Asheville's Second Annual Heroes of Hospitality

Explore Asheville’s Second Annual Heroes of Hospitality Awards Luncheon Recognizes Exceptional Frontline Hospitality Employees and Inaugural Hospitality Scholarship Winners

Awards Ceremony Kicks Off Local Celebration of
National Travel and Tourism Week

Thank you to the more than 200 professionals from the travel and hospitality industry, along with city and county leaders, who attended today's luncheon held at The Omni Grove Park Inn! The second annual Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality awards ceremony honored more than 60 nominations for individuals with extraordinary commitment to hospitality, heightened by critical need following Hurricane Helene.

The event celebrated these ambassadors of Asheville and Buncombe County, including six recipients of the Heroes of Hospitality Award and three recipients of the new Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship, established to foster the next generation of travel and hospitality leaders. Eddie and Amanda Foxx, hosts of the Eddie Foxx Show on 99.9 KISS Country, emceed the event.

"At the start of National Travel and Tourism Week, we gather to recognize achievement and honor the spirit that carried our community through one of its most challenging years in recent history," said Vic Isley, President and CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. "But if there's one thing the past year has proven, it's that the spirit of our people and place is not easily broken."

The Heroes of Hospitality Awards Luncheon honored the people powering the region's recovery and resilience during challenging circumstances. Award winners were recognized for preparing and distributing thousands of meals, turning workplaces into relief centers, and helping restore community connections during a critical time. The event marked the beginning of local celebrations for National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10), an annual event that underscores travel's essential role in driving national and local economies, cultivating vibrant communities, and forging connections.

"In the months after Hurricane Helene, hospitality took on a new meaning. The stories we've received speak volumes about what it means to care for others through uncertainty and challenge," said Brenda Durden, Chair of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. "Each one offered a glimpse of strength, compassion, and generosity in action."

2025 Heroes of Hospitality Award Recipients:

Elvira Sanchez, housekeeping supervisor at Grand Bohemian Lodge: A quiet force in the hospitality industry for more than two decades, Sanchez brings incredible dedication to her work and is often called "the ultimate team player" by her colleagues. After Hurricane Helene, she quickly returned to assist coworkers, ensuring their safety and providing support. Even after the lodge closed, she remained a source of inspiration and leadership, helping to uplift the team. The Grand Bohemian Lodge will reopen its doors May 7, following extensive renovations in the wake of Helene.
Fran and Taylor Montgomery, owners of Montgomery Sky Farm: The Montgomerys are celebrated for their commitment to sustainable farming and community support. After Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, they provided over 12,000 meals to storm victims without outside funding. Their farm became a vital lifeline, offering emergency shelter and comfort. The farm welcomes hundreds of guests annually, promoting sustainable agriculture and animal rescue through educational experiences.
Katie Kasben, concierge at The Inn on Biltmore Estate: Katie Kasben has been a caring presence at Biltmore for more than a decade. During Hurricane Helene, Kasben was ordained to officiate weddings and helped feed and care for more than 170 people, despite challenging conditions. Kasben fulfilled Make-A-Wish wishes, like arranging a special Serafina book tour for a young cancer patient and saving Thanksgiving for a struggling family.
Katherine "Kat" Bell, bartender at Tall John's: Bell, a beloved bartender, connects with guests by remembering their names and stories. After Hurricane Helene, Bell hiked for miles from her home into the city to help her Asheville community, despite experiencing her own personal loss, distributing food to those in need. Known for her professionalism and calming presence, she has earned the trust of both coworkers and patrons alike.
Erin Cronin, lead cook at Bear's Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen: Cronin quickly became essential to local relief efforts due to her strong leadership and experience in hospitality. For six months, she was the backbone of the community kitchen at Bear’s, arriving before dawn to prepare meals for those affected by the storm. Cronin's quiet dedication and steady presence inspire both staff and volunteers, significantly impacting our community's recovery.
Philip DeAngelo, owner of Philip DeAngelo Studio and Gallery: After Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville's River Arts District, DeAngelo converted his gallery into Nonna DeAngelo's Kitchen, serving meals to those affected by the storm. His space became a sanctuary for community healing, supported by local organizations. Philip helped rebuild the spirit of the district, one meal at a time.

Each recipient received a custom glass bowl from Small Batch Glassworks in the River Arts District and a $500 gift card. All nominees received a custom bag of Asheville-made products.

Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship Program

The awards luncheon also marked the launch of the Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship Program. This new initiative supports students pursuing hospitality, travel, and service-oriented careers. Recipients will receive $2,500 per year for up to four years, which can be used for tuition, housing, books, or other education-related expenses at any post-secondary institution in North Carolina, including certificate programs and degrees.

"This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it's an investment in the future leaders of Asheville's vital hospitality and travel sector,” said Michele Smith, Career and Technical Education Director for Buncombe County Schools. “Explore Asheville is fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of our community. In the wake of events like Helene, this commitment to nurturing local talent becomes even more critical, ensuring the continued strength and innovation of the industry, central to Asheville's identity and economic well-being.”

Inaugural Scholarship Recipients

Gillian Kerns: Kerns, a junior at Western Carolina University majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a Psychology minor, is inspired by her family's travels and aims to become a flight attendant. Kerns hopes to open a bed-and-breakfast linked to her family's farm in Swannanoa.
Kayleigh Schofield: Schofield, an Owen High School senior, plans to major in communications at Appalachian State University. They gained hospitality experience as a hostess at a fine dining restaurant in Black Mountain.
Nathan Tucker: Tucker is an A T.C. Roberson High School senior focused on culinary arts. Tucker won first place at the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Culinary Competition and will represent the state at the national competition in Atlanta next month. Tucker has hands-on experience from internships at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse and the Blackbird Restaurant in Asheville, where he works as a line cook.

The luncheon proceeded on the Mountain View Terrace with a lively reception, featuring the Asheville Jazz Collective.