Greenville’s culinary scene is about to gain national attention as Bravo’s hit cooking competition “Top Chef” announces its 23rd season will feature the Upstate city in multiple episodes. While Charlotte will serve as the primary filming location for the season, Greenville has secured a prominent role that will showcase its innovative restaurants, farm-to-table ethos, and growing reputation as a Southern food destination. The prestigious selection highlights years of culinary development that has transformed downtown Greenville into a dining hotspot.
Ryan Flynn, Senior Vice President of Current Production at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, praised the selection, noting that “Charlotte and Greenville are perfect chefs’ playgrounds fueled by exceptional local ingredients, bold flavors, a strong agricultural foundation, stunning natural landscapes, and the warm, genuine hospitality the South is known for.” This national recognition places Greenville alongside previous “Top Chef” locations like Houston, Portland, and Kentucky, further cementing its status as an emerging culinary powerhouse in the Southeast.
Production crews will begin preparing Greenville locations for competitive cooking events later this summer, with filming scheduled to continue through fall 2025. The season, which will premiere in 2026, will feature the show’s signature Quickfire and Elimination challenges specifically designed to highlight Carolina ingredients, techniques, and flavors. Local farmers, artisans, and food producers are expected to play significant roles as contestants navigate challenges that showcase regional specialties and seasonal bounty.
The economic impact of hosting such a high-profile production extends beyond the immediate tourism boost, with industry experts noting that featured restaurants from previous seasons have seen reservations increase by as much as 300% following their television appearances.
The distinctive format will challenge competing chefs to demonstrate their technical skills while embracing Southern culinary traditions that have made Greenville a standout food destination. Viewers can expect to see familiar downtown landmarks and notable culinary spots featured prominently throughout the episodes.
- The skyline of Greenville, where ‘Top Chef’ Season 23 is set, marking the city’s influence in the culinary arts. Source: https://6amcity.com/author/djohnson – gvltoday.6amcity.com
The announcement has generated enthusiasm among local officials and restaurant owners who view the national spotlight as validation of Greenville’s culinary evolution. Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, expressed pride in the selection: “We’ve long known that Greenville’s food scene could hold its own on a national stage. Hosting ‘Top Chef’ here is both validation and a celebration. We’re thrilled to see our culinary community in the spotlight.” The tourism organization has already begun coordinating with production teams to identify filming locations that best represent the city’s diverse food landscape.
Local chefs are preparing for the increased attention, with many viewing the show as an opportunity to highlight Greenville’s unique approach to Southern cuisine. The city’s mix of traditional establishments and innovative concepts creates a rich environment that production executives found particularly appealing. City officials estimate the filming will bring hundreds of production staff to the area, creating short-term economic benefits while setting the stage for long-term tourism growth as viewers discover Greenville’s charm through their television screens in 2026.
