Charlotte handpicked to host upcoming season of ‘Top Chef.’ What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Top Chef plans Season 23 filming in Charlotte and Greenville in summer 2025
- Kristen Kish returns as host alongside veteran judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons
- Charlotte offers culinary talent, local ingredients, and southern hospitality appeal
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Charlotte handpicked to host upcoming season of ‘Top Chef.’ What to know
Bravo’s hit culinary competition series “Top Chef” is heading to the Carolinas for its upcoming 23rd season, with most of the filming set to take place in Charlotte and select episodes happening in Greenville, South Carolina.
Kristen Kish will return as host, joined once again by judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, Unpretentious Palate first reported.
“Our Cheftestants will compete in southern hospitality, while embracing the rich Carolina history and cooking in the great outdoors. We will be traveling and competing across Charlotte, N.C and Greenville, S.C.,” the TV show’s Instagram announcement said.
The Queen City has had past brushes with the show, most notably through Church & Union chef/partner Jamie Lynch, who competed on Season 14 and later returned for “Top Chef: All-Stars.” Season 22 winner Tristen Epps, now based in Houston, is also an alum of Johnson & Wales University.
“We’re excited to return to the South for Top Chef Carolinas,” Ryan Flynn, senior vice president of current production at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, told Unpretentious Palate.
“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.”
The announcement coincides with another television moment for the local food scene. The Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group will debut its own national docuseries, ”Fork & Hammer,” premiering in October. The 10-part public television series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry.
Restaurateur Jeff Tonidandel, who is leading the effort with his wife, Jamie Brown, also welcomed news of “Top Chef’s” arrival, praising Charlotte’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
“We’re honored to be part of Charlotte’s culinary scene during such an exciting moment for the city,” Tonidandel said in a news release. “We can’t wait to see how Top Chef brings Charlotte’s story to life on screen, and our team is ready to step up however we’re needed to help showcase what makes our city so special.”
Production of “Top Chef” is scheduled for this summer, with the new season expected to premiere in 2026.
This story was originally published July 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Charlotte handpicked to host upcoming season of ‘Top Chef.’ What to know."
