2025 Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony - An Evening With Chef Smoke & his fellow Chefs

Join us for a fun evening with Chef Smoke and his friends.   
Meet the Chefs and enjoy the fine cuisine each will prepare.
American, Italian & Hispanic Cuisine and Signature Cocktails! 
Check back often as we introduce the other 2 Chefs & the menu for the evening!   

Our Entertainment for the Evening:

Justin Castellano, Instrumental Guitarist 
Has recently been recognized by Guitar World, Guitar Player Magazine and MusicRadar as One of the Top Acoustic Guitarists in the World!  Top Five Finalist for Acoustic Guitarist of the Year! 



Chef James "Smoke" Boyd - American Cuisine 

James “Smoke “Boyd is no stranger to New Bern.  Born and raised in James City, North Carolina is where he “earned his nickname “Smoke”, not realizing the calling on his life.  After being exposed to cooking at Craven County Hospital he became more intrigued by the culinary craft and developed a passion for food.  
Later promoted to Sou Chef at the Sheraton in the 1980’s, he learned to be a very influential chef.  He quickly was promoted to Head Chef for many years.  Traveling the United States to open five-star hotels, Chef Smoke was able to cultivate an understanding of regional cuisines and the impact of fresh produce.  But all roads lead his heart back to New Bern.
In 1990, Chef Smoke was able to acquire The Flame Restaurant in the heart of New Bern and make it his own.  He established himself as a “Grill Master” and holds this title today.  But his passion was to move beyond the restaurant doors so he established The Flame Catering as a full service mobile caterer.  Currently, The Flame Catering serves over seven counties in Eastern North Carolina.   
Smoke has a passion for his community and finds countless ways to make an impact. Understanding the economic impact of the hospitality industry, he currently serves on the Craven County Tourism Development Authority and the New Bern Chamber of Commerce.  Recently, during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence that devastated Eastern North Carolina he felt the importance of feeding his community.   Daily he donated and prepared hot meals to feed anyone in need.    
Having spent his childhood in the James City, he fell in love with the Neuse River and this is where he spends his free time.  


New this Year:
The evening also includes an Awards Ceremony the winners have been chosen by fellow Chamber Members!    It's not too late to nominate your favorite Chamber Members

Traditional Passing of the gavel: 
2024 Chair of the Board, Mr. Edmund Hughes. Retired Army 
2025 Chair of the Board,  Dr. Ray Staats., President, Craven Community College