2026 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs Announced

2026 GEORGIA GROWN EXECUTIVE CHEFS ANNOUNCED
Nine Chefs Join Statewide Program Celebrating Partnerships Between Chefs and Farmers

ATLANTA (March 10, 2026) – Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) President + CEO Stephanie Fischer announced nine new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs during State Restaurant Day at the Capitol yesterday morning. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program is a statewide program designed to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers while spreading awareness about the quality of locally sourced and grown products in Georgia’s restaurant scene.

“I’m proud to welcome another phenomenal group of chefs from across our state to the Georgia Grown team as our 2026 class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper. “These chefs were selected not only for their outstanding culinary abilities, but also for their commitment to sourcing Georgia Grown products directly from Georgia farmers. This partnership would not be possible without our friends at the Georgia Restaurant Association, and I want to thank GRA and President Fischer for their continued support of Georgia agriculture and our state’s farm families.”

The 2026 Executive Chefs include:

• Ben Vaughn, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktail (Atlanta)
• Burns Sullivan, 5 & 10 (Athens)
• Christian Bell, Oreatha's at The Point (Atlanta)
• Gary Caldwell, Marcus Bar & Grille (Atlanta)
• Holden McKinstry, Vice Steak Bar (Alpharetta)
• Hudson Terrell, The Animal Farm & Gabagool (Columbus)
• Kyle Bryner, Blue Hound Barbecue (Dillard)
• Laura Orellana, Osteria Mattone (Roswell)
• Taylor Mead, Atlanta Botanical Gardens (Atlanta)

“We are honored to celebrate our 2026 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs for their creativity and dedication to Georgia’s vibrant culinary community,” said GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer. “Through their commitment to sourcing local ingredients and supporting Georgia farmers and producers, these chefs help strengthen the connection between our state’s agriculture and restaurant industries. Their passion for their communities and the ingredients that define them continues to elevate Georgia’s culinary landscape and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.”

By highlighting Georgia’s farmers and seasonal ingredients, these chefs are helping define what it means to cook, dine, and celebrate food in Georgia today. Being named a Georgia Grown Executive Chef reflects a commitment to celebrating the state’s farmers, flavors, and culinary traditions.

About Georgia Grown: The Georgia Grown program provides a powerful new branding tool as well as education, marketing and business connections to expand agribusinesses and the agricultural industry throughout Georgia. Learn more today at www.GeorgiaGrown.com.

About the Georgia Restaurant Association: The Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) mission is to be the trusted source where hospitality owners and operators gain a competitive edge to grow their business and strengthen the hospitality industry in Georgia. The Association is the voice throughout the hospitality industry in Georgia. It provides a statewide platform for collaboration and leadership on advocacy issues, along with valuable resources for its members. As a trusted ally, the GRA empowers hospitality owners to focus on their passion – delivering exceptional dining experiences. With the GRA, Georgia’s restaurants can thrive, evolve and elevate their vital role in the state’s economy and community. For more information, visit www.garestaurants.org.

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