Wilmington chef earns statewide honor at 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A local restaurant owner and chef received statewide recognition at the 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards on Monday.

The event, held on Feb. 23 by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), recognized 20 people and organizations within the hospitality industry across the state.

Dean Neff, chef and owner of Seabird and Zora’s Market in Wilmington, received the Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community…

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