North Carolina roots. An entrepreneurial spirit.
A shared belief in hospitality that means more.
CMC Hotels began in Cary, North Carolina in 1984, when G. S. Chhabra opened the town’s first branded hotel while continuing his career as an engineer. At the time, Cary was still a small, emerging community, a blank canvas with tremendous potential that he recognized early. That early bet laid the foundation for a company that would grow alongside the communities it serves.
More than four decades later, Cary remains central to our story, even as it has become one of North Carolina’s most desirable places to live and visit. We have continued to invest and grow, with five properties in Cary today.
That ability to recognize opportunity early has become part of CMC’s DNA. Today, our portfolio spans some of North Carolina’s most dynamic markets, from the Triangle and Wilmington to Uptown Charlotte.
That forward-looking approach has led CMC to bring new brands and experiences to our markets, including introducing Westin to Raleigh—one of only two Westin hotels in North Carolina—and bringing Hyatt to Cary for the first time with Unscripted by Hyatt.
These milestones reflect a consistent mindset: seeing what a market can become, and creating hospitality experiences that move with it.
The principles behind our places, our partnerships and the way we care for people.
Trust is at the heart of every relationship.
We are honest, fair and respectful in how we do business. We keep our commitments and build lasting relationships with our associates, guests, partners and communities by leading with integrity every day.
When our people grow, we grow.
Hospitality is a people business. We invest in our associates, create opportunities to learn and lead, and encourage people to build meaningful careers with CMC. Our growth as a company starts with the growth of our people.
Bring purpose to what you do.
We approach our work with purpose and care, knowing that the details add up. We look for ways to make things better, contribute beyond our individual roles, and make a meaningful difference for our guests, our teams and our company.
Hospitality should leave an impression.
We look for opportunities to create experiences that feel distinctive, thoughtful and unexpected. From the hotels we develop to the smallest guest interaction, we want CMC properties to have personality and give people something worth remembering.
CMC’s connection to the communities we serve extends well beyond our hotels and restaurants. Our leadership is actively involved in organizations that support hospitality, tourism, the arts and the communities we call home.
Sheri Erhart and Shahn Chhabra have served in leadership roles with organizations including the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, CAM Raleigh, Arts Together and Band Together.
Across CMC, that commitment continues through charitable giving, local partnerships and hands-on involvement by our teams throughout North Carolina.
Great hospitality begins with great people. Each year, our Hallmark of Hospitality brings together team members from across the CMC Hotels portfolio for a day dedicated to recognition, inspiration and connection.
At the heart of the event is celebrating the individuals who make a difference every day. From honoring decades of service to recognizing exceptional achievements through our Spirit of Hospitality, Sales Drop the Mic and Luminary Awards, we shine a spotlight on the talent, dedication and leadership that define CMC.
The celebration also creates opportunities to learn and grow. Through engaging presentations from hospitality industry leaders, inspirational speakers and hands-on philanthropic initiatives, our teams gain new perspectives, strengthen relationships and make a positive impact in our communities.
More than an annual event, the Hallmark of Hospitality reflects our commitment to recognizing achievement, developing our people and building a culture where excellence is celebrated.
