A few of Charlotte’s top chefs are joining in on a TV-style culinary competition
A few of Charlotte’s most-recognized chefs — including a James Beard Award semifinalist — are teaming up for a TV-style culinary event pairing them up with social media creators.
Guests at Hope Haven’s Next Level Hope event — modeled after the “Next Level Chef” reality TV show — will eat dishes that feel like “home,” created via collaboration by teams including:
- Chef Chayil Johnson of Community Matters Cafe, a semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2025
- Chef Shaun King of newly opened Uchi and Uchibā
- Chef Vince Giancarlo of B-Side Group, which operates Vinyl and Mi Cariño and is opening Lady Funari
Other culinary professionals participating are:
- Chef Kenya of Ken’s Kitchen
- Chef Shea Williamson
- Chef Kenneth Williams
Guests will sample dishes and vote for their favorite team while enjoying a curated selection of additional bites and mocktails.
“From the restaurants they’ve built to the communities they’ve cultivated, they’re shaping how people connect over food in Charlotte. Seeing those perspectives come together in one space to both compete and collaborate is what makes this event feel so special because it mirrors the sense of community, connection, and opportunity we strive to build every day at Hope Haven,” the organization’s vice president of advancement, Zoë Playe, said in a news release.
Next Level Hope takes place Friday, May 15, from 7-9 p.m. at The Forum at Hope Haven. Tickets are $125 per person, and proceeds benefit Hope Haven’s residential recovery programs.
Pack Your Knives podcaster Tom Haberstroh will host the event, judged by Shindy Chen of CharlotteFive and Eater Carolinas, Laura Barrero of Axios Charlotte, Clayton Sealey of CLT Development and the Mint Museum, and Rick Thurmond of Charlotte Center City Partners.
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