Charlotte’s Culinary Talent Takes the Spotlight at NYC’s Platform by the James Beard Foundation
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 03, 2026) – Gaining national attention for its depth of culinary talent, ambition and cultural range, Charlotte is setting the table with bold flavor. From the filming of Top Chef: Carolinas to the city’s growing presence in the MICHELIN Guide, Charlotte has emerged as a destination where innovation and Southern tradition intersect. To celebrate this momentum, 10 of Charlotte’s acclaimed chefs and mixologists will present a special dinner at New York City’s Platform by the James Beard Foundation on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.
Cooking in New York City at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform space is important because it represents one of the most credible, high-impact stages in American food culture. Invited guests include national culinary media, content creators, food entrepreneurs and meeting planners.
Curated and sponsored by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the experience will feature a menu inspired by Southern culture and culinary heritage, including hors d’oeuvres, passed appetizers, family-style entrées and desserts, paired with signature cocktails and craft beer. Hometown favorite Bojangles will also be on hand serving its beloved biscuits on the heels of opening its first NYC location last month.
Participating Charlotte talent include:
Chef Callan Buckles (Rada)
Chef Brittany Cochran (Stagioni)
Chef Chris Coleman (Chiefs, Folia, The Goodyear House)
Chef Andres Kaifer (Customshop)
Chef Chayil Johnson (Community Matters Café)
Chef Joe Kindred (Albertine, Hello, Sailor, Kindred)
Pastry Chef Faith Marley (Counter-)
Pastry Chef Manolo Betancur Montoya (Manolo’s Bakery)
Accompanying the chefs will be Charlotte mixologists Justin Hazelton (Lorem Ipsum) and Colleen Hughes (Haberdish, Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse, Supperland, Lelulia Hall), alongside award-winning artisanal beers from Pilot Brewing Company.
“From serving as the host city for Top Chef to earning growing recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, Charlotte’s culinary scene is having a defining national moment. This James Beard Foundation showcase will share the talents of some of our most dynamic chefs and mixologists on one of the industry’s most influential stages,” said Laura White, CRVA Chief Brand & Strategy Officer. “With 33 million visitors generating $9.1 billion in annual spending—25% tied directly to food and beverage—Charlotte’s culinary momentum is translating directly into visitor spending, jobs and economic opportunities.”
Bravo’s award-winning series Top Chef: Carolinas premieres Monday, March 9, bringing the competition to Charlotte. Hosted by Kristen Kish and judged by Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, Season 23 will highlight The Queen City’s vibrant dining scene and local gems, with select episodes also filmed in Greenville, S.C. Brittany Cochran, executive chef at Stagioni, will compete as a cheftestant this season.
Following the premiere, Charlotte’s culinary momentum continues with Savor Charlotte, the city’s culinary celebration running March 11–28, 2026, featuring events and special offers that highlight the individuality of its chefs, mixologists and other tastemakers.
Download headshots and bios for the participating James Beard Foundation dinner talent here.
About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.