William Dissen, owner and executive chef of The Marketplace in Asheville, has been named North Carolina Restaurateur of the Year. The award was presented during the 2026 Stars of the Industry ceremony in Durham. Four Asheville restaurant leaders received honors at the event.
The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association hosted the annual Stars of the Industry awards on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Durham. The ceremony recognized leadership, performance, and service within the state's restaurant and hospitality industry.
Among the honorees were four restaurant leaders from Asheville. William Dissen, owner and executive chef of The Marketplace in downtown Asheville, received the top accolade of North Carolina Restaurateur of the Year.
Dissen reflected on the challenges faced by the industry, stating: "With recession, COVID, and Hurricane Helene, to be here resilient and powering through and through all that to be named Restaurateur of the Year, it's a really special honor for me this year. I know that it's our team that really powers the engine of the restaurant, and I'm eternally grateful to them, but I am also grateful to our community here in Asheville."
Association leaders noted that the awards aim to highlight professionals who are helping shape North Carolina's restaurant and tourism economy. Asheville's hospitality sector gained statewide recognition through these honors.