Will you be ordering the salmon or steak for Queen’s Feast? | Photo via Hensley Fontana Public Relations
When the newsdropped on Wednesday, July 23, that “Top Chef” is bringing season 23 to Charlotte, we got hungry with anticipation. So we grabbed our forks and did some digging.
📺 Show details
ICYMI... The show will be filmed in Charlotte — with some episodes in Greenville, SC (hey, GVLtoday) — and will focus on Southern hospitality, regional history, and up-and-coming culinary stars. The cheftestants will compete for a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a spot at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and a cash prize.
Production starts this summer + the show airs sometime in 2026, but we can’t wait that long. Here’s what Charlotte’s culinary masters have to say about the show coming to the Queen City.
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown will be featured in an upcoming documentary series chronicling their restaurant experience in Charlotte.
Photo via Susie Films
🍽️ Locals weigh in
“We can’t wait to see how “Top Chef” brings Charlotte’s story to life on screen.” — Jeff Tonidandel, Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group
“We’re excited that the next season of “Top Chef” will be coming to Charlotte and Greenville, two cities in the Carolinas whose culinary scenes are worthy of celebration.” — Cat Carter and Eric Ferguson, L’Ostrica
Asked
Asked
What would you like to know about “Top Chef?”
We’ll be talking to a former winner about what it takes to bring home the crown — like how they prepped for challenges or what it’s really like behind the scenes.
Lights, Camera, Access! Film Festival | Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27 | 6 p.m. | Park Road Park | Free | Commemorate the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a curated screening of films during this three-day festival.
The Eras Party | 8 p.m. | Amos’ Southend | $15+ | Channel your inner Swiftie with themed photo areas, lip-sync battles, and bracelet trading.
Saturday, July 26
University Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Shoppes at University Place | Free+ | Shop for fresh veggies and fruits, meats, and wellness products.
Twister Tournament | 2 p.m. | Stage 1 at Blume Studios | $5+ | Stretch those limbs for an epic night of Giant Twister.
Sunday Funday Brunch | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | SouthBound | Cost of purchase | Sip from $3 mimosas and savor a tasty start to the day with friends.
Blinder’s Sunday Service | 12-5 p.m. | Blinder’s Sports Lounge | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the day with house music, specialty cocktails, and positive vibes to bring in the work week.
Paint & Sip | 6-8 p.m. | Frenchy’s Sip and Shop | $60+ | Paint a summer-themed landscape with the help of local artist Ajané K. Williams.
“Harry Potter” Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Cost of purchase | Your acceptance letter may not have arrived, but you can still put your Hogwarts knowledge to the test for enchanting prizes and bragging rights.
A possible historic heat wave could hit the Queen City this weekend. The highs are anticipated to reach 100 to 101 degrees tomorrow and Sunday. If you’re looking for ways to cool down, try splashing around any of Mecklenburg County’s pools. (WCNC)
Shop
The Charlotte Hornets’ Fan Shop truck will be visiting SouthPark Mall today, starting at 11 a.m. Buzz City fans can find jerseys, hats, and exclusive gear before the first preseason game on Sunday, Oct. 5, in North Charleston, SC.
Opening
Charlotte-based jewelry brand KIKI is opening its first storefront at Camp North End on Saturday, Aug. 16. Shoppers will find waterproof and hypoallergenic gold-filled jewelry, a new men’s line, and the brand will introduce permanent jewelry later this year.
Closing
Kappo En, the eight-seat, speakeasy-style sushi space at Menya Daruma, will close after dinner service on Saturday, Aug. 2, due to rising operating costs. But it may not be forever.This Instagram post hints at a possible comeback down the road. (The Charlotte Observer)
Number
157. That’s how many people are moving to the Charlotte region every day. The new data from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is based on census estimates and shows the metro is growing faster than previous forecasts. (Charlotte Ledger)
Real Estate
Want to live like former Panthers’ linebacker Shaq Thompson? His SouthPark home is on the market for $10.7 million, and has six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, a detached gym, and sports court. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Biz
Topgolf is opening an immersive entertainment venue in Ballantyne in September. Dunbar Social by Topgolf Swing Suite will be near the Gallery Restaurant at The Ballantyne Hotel, offering state-of-the-art simulators, lounge seating, and food and drink service. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
Edge rusher DJ Wonnum is feeling optimistic about this upcoming season following Thursday’s training camp. Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Read
Tangle is a rare political newsletter that doesn’t take sides — it lays them out. Every day, it delivers balanced reporting on major political stories, minus the bias. Subscribe for free.*
Fact or Fiction
The color of your car impacts your car insurance rate. Fact or fiction? Luckily for Nicki Minaj, this is fiction. Still, rates can change for other reasons, so experts advise shopping around regularly. See if you could save with this quick questionnaire.*
Post of the Day
Did you know? “Snoopy,” the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s original helicopter, was named by a group of schoolchildren in 1971. The aircraft was a Bell 47G5, a single-rotor, single-engine light helicopter.
While CMPD’s choppers may no longer sport “Snoopy” decals, the helicopter still goes by the same name today. Unfortunately, the photo doesn’t stand the test of time — remember Eastland Mall?
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
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