News Summary
Governor Henry McMaster has announced the selection of South Carolina’s 2025 Chef Ambassadors, with Conway’s Executive Chef Darren Smith leading the way. Smith, along with other notable chefs, aims to highlight the state’s rich culinary traditions and support local farmers by using Certified South Carolina ingredients. This program, now in its 11th year, not only celebrates culinary excellence but also promotes tourism and economic growth in the region, enhancing Conway’s culinary reputation.
Conway Celebrates Culinary Excellence with New Chef Ambassadors
In a delightful announcement, Governor Henry McMaster has revealed the selection of chefs who will represent South Carolina as the 2025 Chef Ambassadors. Among the stars of the culinary world chosen for this honor is none other than Conway’s own Darren Smith, the owner and Executive Chef of Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire.
A Taste of South Carolina
Darren Smith is joined by other talented chefs including Jeanne Koenigsberg from Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, and Shuai Wang, the mastermind behind Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ located in North Charleston. With their skills and passion, this team of culinary ambassadors aims to showcase the rich flavors and agricultural bounty of South Carolina.
This year marks the 11th iteration of the Chef Ambassador program, which has become a cherished institution promoting the links between South Carolina’s vibrant food industry, exciting tourism opportunities, and vital agriculture. These ambassadors are set to take part in numerous food festivals and promotional activities to highlight the state’s unique culinary traditions.
Supporting Local Farmers
One of the core missions of the Chef Ambassador program is to support local farmers by utilizing Certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, and seafood. The chefs’ focus will be on embracing farm-fresh ingredients to bring a burst of authentic flavors to every dish they prepare.
Darren Smith couldn’t be more thrilled about his selection, recognizing it not just as an honor but also as a fantastic chance to build relationships within the cooking community. With an impressive 36 years of professional cooking under his belt and 30 years at the helm of Rivertown Bistro, he is dedicated to showcasing the bountiful offerings of South Carolina from its lush farmlands to its exquisite coastal seafood.
A Community Reaction
The Conway community is buzzing with excitement over Smith’s achievement, and congratulations flooded social media from the Conway Chamber of Commerce celebrating this local culinary gem. Smith’s commitment to presenting the best of South Carolina food is not only a win for him but also for the city, enhancing its culinary reputation.
Governor McMaster emphasized the integral role of food throughout the state’s history, culture, and economy. It is clear that the culinary arts play a significant part in South Carolina’s identity. The state’s tourism and agriculture industries are enormously impactful, making these Chef Ambassadors vital to preserving and promoting that rich heritage.
Feeding the Economy
Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, underscored that travelers are increasingly on the lookout for authentic experiences, with food being a pivotal part of their exploration. The new class of Chef Ambassadors is poised to not only tantalize taste buds but also to help boost tourism and contribute to South Carolina’s economic growth.
The Chef Ambassador program was initiated back in 2014 with the noble aim of honoring and elevating South Carolina’s amazing cuisine alongside its hardworking local farming community. Each chef is carefully selected based on their passion for local flavors and their ability to embody the diverse culinary landscape that the state has to offer.
As 2025 approaches, the excitement continues to simmer over what delicious and culturally rich experiences these Chef Ambassadors will deliver. The spotlight is on South Carolina, and with Darren Smith and his fellow chefs leading the way, this state is sure to become the tastiest destination for food lovers everywhere!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Charleston Business
- MSN Food & Drink
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Chef Ambassadors
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
