VisitNC released a report last week detailing economic impact statistics across the state for 2020.
Unsurprisingly, with a surge in COVID cases and the enforcement of pandemic-related precautions, spending from visitors in Cumberland County decreased by 27.9 percent.
In 2019, visitor spending in the county totaled $623.73 million and in 2020, visitor spending dropped to $449.85.
Despite the drop in visitor spending, the Can Do community has fared well compared to the other counties in North Carolina. In fact, out of the state’s 100 counties, Cumberland County ranked 11 on VisitNC’s list.
Part of the drop in visitor spending may be from the lack of events in the community that draw people from across the state to Fayetteville; some of those same events have already been scheduled for this year and next as vaccinations have become more prevalent.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
