Myrtle Beach, SC, December 29, 2025
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s International Culinary Institute and Executive Director Chef Joseph Bonaparte received significant recognition recently. This honor celebrates their vital role in the Grand Strand Chef’s Table event, reinforcing a commitment to culinary education and the region’s reputation as a food destination. Plans for expanding the event into a Food and Wine Festival will further solidify Myrtle Beach’s culinary landscape. The initiative aims to enhance student learning, professional opportunities, and contributions to the local economy and community.
Myrtle Beach, SC — The Grand Strand’s vibrant culinary scene recently took center stage with significant recognition for the Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s (HGTC) International Culinary Institute (ICI) and its distinguished Executive Director, Chef Joseph Bonaparte. This acknowledgment highlights not only individual and institutional excellence but also underscores a broader commitment to advancing culinary education and elevating the region’s profile as a premier food destination.
The recognition stems from the instrumental role played by Chef Bonaparte and ICI students in the highly successful Grand Strand Chef’s Table. This event is now poised for expansion into a comprehensive food and wine festival, marking a pivotal development for Myrtle Beach’s higher education landscape and its burgeoning culinary industry. This initiative reflects a dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, promising to deliver tangible benefits to the local community and economy.
Recognition for Culinary Excellence
Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently announced the honor bestowed upon Chef Joseph Bonaparte and the students of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach for their integral involvement in the 2025 Grand Strand Chef’s Table. Chef Bonaparte received a special thank-you plaque, celebrating his leadership, creativity, and professionalism, which were crucial to the event’s success. This award also signifies the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership aimed at further culinary development in the region. HGTC President Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore emphasized the ICI as a significant asset to the Grand Strand, noting that Chef Bonaparte’s leadership exemplifies the excellence the institution strives to deliver to its students and the community. This collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to education, innovation, and workforce development, ultimately enhancing Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a destination where culinary talent thrives.
The Grand Strand Chef’s Table: A Culinary Showcase
The Grand Strand Chef’s Table is an immersive culinary experience, a collaborative effort presented by The Local Palate in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Visit Myrtle Beach. The 2025 event was hosted at the historic Pine Lakes Country Club, offering an evening filled with culinary discovery. Attendees explored walk-around tasting stations featuring dishes from acclaimed regional chefs, James Beard–recognized guest chefs, and emerging culinary talent from the ICI. Beyond the diverse food offerings, the event also included live chef demonstrations, craft beverage pairings, and a live musical performance. The event served as a celebration of coastal cuisine, creative spirit, and community, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the James Beard Foundation’s Good Food for Good mission, which promotes a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive culinary future.
Forging the Future: A Food and Wine Festival Vision
Building on the success of the Chef’s Table, organizers are planning a significant expansion of the event in the coming years, developing it into a larger Food and Wine Festival. This ambitious vision aims to establish a robust foundation for a major culinary event that will further solidify Myrtle Beach’s standing in the national culinary landscape. A core objective of this expansion is to provide sustained support for the ICI and its culinary students, creating additional pathways for practical experience and professional development. Chef Joseph Bonaparte noted that the event offered students invaluable real-world experience working alongside respected chefs from the region and beyond. He highlighted how such collaborations demonstrate the positive outcomes when education and industry converge, showcasing the next generation of chefs poised to shape the local and regional food scene. This strategic growth is designed to celebrate, support, and elevate the region’s culinary community while strengthening educational opportunities for aspiring chefs.
Academic Foundation at the International Culinary Institute
The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, located on Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Grand Strand campus in The Market Common, is recognized for its world-class facilities and instructors. Many consider the quality of education provided at the ICI to be comparable to other top culinary institutes across the nation. The institute offers a range of comprehensive programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the fast-growing culinary field. These include Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts Technology, as well as programs in Hospitality & Tourism – Hotel, Restaurant & Events Management, Kitchen and Food Preparation Techniques, and Professional Cooking. The ICI boasts state-of-the-art kitchens, a demonstration kitchen, baking labs, and the student-operated Fowler Dining Room, which provides hands-on experience in fine dining and is open to the public. Additionally, the institute’s programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation (ACFEF) and have achieved exemplary status for their Culinary Arts Program, affirming their commitment to high academic standards and industry relevance. A strong emphasis on practical skills, combined with a 100% job placement rate, ensures graduates are well-prepared for the professional culinary world. The institute also plays a role in professional development for educators, hosting events like the ProStart Leadership Training and Teacher Recognition Dinner for instructors from both South Carolina and North Carolina.
Building the Grand Strand’s Culinary Economy
The growth and recognition of HGTC’s International Culinary Institute and events like the Grand Strand Chef’s Table significantly contribute to South Carolina’s educational and economic ecosystem. The culinary industry is a vital sector, driving job creation and boosting tourism throughout the state. With over 1,800 restaurants, the Grand Strand provides ample opportunities for ICI graduates, fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals who contribute directly to the local economy. Chef Bonaparte envisions HGTC as a driving force in promoting high-quality food, nutrition, and raising the overall professionalism and quality of products and services within the regional hospitality industry. Culinary tourism, exemplified by events like the expanding Food and Wine Festival, provides opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture, acquire new culinary skills through classes and workshops, and support local food businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and food tours. These initiatives not only stimulate economic growth and employment but also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting South Carolina’s unique culinary heritage.
The burgeoning culinary landscape in Myrtle Beach, spearheaded by institutions like the International Culinary Institute and events such as the Grand Strand Chef’s Table, highlights a flourishing environment for academic achievement, skill development, and economic contribution. As plans for the larger Food and Wine Festival take shape, the commitment to fostering leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility through education and practical experience remains evident. These initiatives not only uplift individual students but also enhance the community’s vibrancy and impact across South Carolina. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by local colleges and universities, attend upcoming campus events, and stay updated on the exciting developments within Myrtle Beach’s dynamic college community.
Keywords: University of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, USC research, culinary arts education, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, International Culinary Institute, Chef Joseph Bonaparte, Grand Strand Chef’s Table, Food and Wine Festival, academic excellence, workforce development, economic impact.
Key Features and Impact of HGTC’s International Culinary Institute and Grand Strand Culinary Events
| Feature/Metric | Description/Data Point |
|---|---|
| Primary Institution | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) International Culinary Institute (ICI) |
| Key Figure Recognized | Chef Joseph Bonaparte, Executive Director of ICI |
| Event Highlighted | Grand Strand Chef’s Table |
| Event Partners | The Local Palate, James Beard Foundation, Visit Myrtle Beach |
| Future Expansion | Grand Strand Chef’s Table expanding into a Food and Wine Festival |
| ICI Accreditation | American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation (ACFEF) |
| ICI Program Status | Exemplary status for Culinary Arts Program |
| Job Placement Rate (ICI) | 100% |
| Local Restaurant Count (Grand Strand) | Over 1,800 |
| Community Impact Focus | Job creation, tourism boost, culinary heritage preservation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What recognition did Chef Joseph Bonaparte and the HGTC International Culinary Institute receive?
Chef Joseph Bonaparte and the students of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach were recognized for their instrumental role in the success of the 2025 Grand Strand Chef’s Table. Chef Bonaparte received a special thank-you plaque celebrating his contributions and the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership.
What is the Grand Strand Chef’s Table?
The Grand Strand Chef’s Table is an immersive culinary experience presented by The Local Palate in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Visit Myrtle Beach, featuring regional chefs, James Beard–recognized guest chefs, and emerging culinary talent from the ICI.
How is the Grand Strand Chef’s Table expanding in the future?
The Grand Strand Chef’s Table is set to expand significantly in the coming years, developing into a larger Food and Wine Festival, with a core goal of giving back to the International Culinary Institute and directly supporting culinary students.
What academic programs are offered at the HGTC International Culinary Institute?
The HGTC International Culinary Institute offers Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts Technology, along with programs in Hospitality & Tourism – Hotel, Restaurant & Events Management, Kitchen and Food Preparation Techniques, and Professional Cooking.
What is the economic impact of culinary arts education and events in Myrtle Beach?
The culinary industry in South Carolina, supported by institutions like the HGTC International Culinary Institute and events such as the Grand Strand Chef’s Table and future Food and Wine Festival, contributes to job creation, boosts tourism, and helps preserve culinary heritage, solidifying Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a culinary destination.
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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.
