Nine new Executive Chefs were chosen for the Georgia Grown program in 2026, and they were announced by Commissioner Tyler Harper of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Stephanie Fisher, President and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, at the Capitol on State Restaurant Day March 9.
The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program is a statewide initiative designed to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers while raising awareness of the quality of locally sourced and grown products in Georgia’s restaurant scene.
According to the presenters, being named a Georgia Grown Executive Chef reflects a commitment to celebrating the state’s farmers, flavors and culinary traditions. 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.
“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,” said Commissioner Harper. “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.”
Executive Chefs for Georgia Grown 2026 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
“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,” said Fischer. “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.”
The Georgia Grown program provides a powerful new branding tool for both the restaurant and agriculture industries, as well as providing education, marketing and business connections to expand agribusinesses and the agricultural industry throughout Georgia.
