Several of Charlotte’s top chefs are in the running for one of North Carolina’s highest culinary honors after advancing to the 2026 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale.
The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association announced its 20 culinary finalists following regional semifinals in Raleigh and Charlotte. The group includes 15 chefs and five pastry chefs from some of the state’s top restaurants.
Charlotte is strongly represented with chef finalists:
- Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ
- Matt Moore of Customshop
- Brandon Staton of Supperland
- Ericka Torres of STOKE at the Marriott Charlotte City Center
Charlotte also claimed two pastry chef finalist spots with Josh Dobson of Peppervine and Lei Van Note of STOKE.
The Chef Showdown Grand Finale will take place September 2 at Bay 7 on Durham’s American Tobacco Campus. Guests will sample dishes from all 20 finalists while enjoying cocktails, North Carolina wines, meads and ciders.
Although judges have already selected the 2026 Chef of the Year and Pastry Chef of the Year, the winners will not be revealed until the Grand Finale. Guests will also vote for the People’s Choice Awards.
The final mixology semifinals are still ahead, with competitions set for August 3 in Wilmington and August 10 in Charlotte.
Tickets are $150 and include unlimited food and beverage tastings. The event is open to guests 21 and older.
