Gov. Henry McMaster announced South Carolina’s three Chef Ambassadors for 2026 on Jan. 22, including Guichard Ulysse of House 509 Bistro & Wine Bar in Greer.
The chef ambassador program debuted in 2014. It is a union of the state’s hospitality and agricultural industry, with each chef required to support and promote local farmers.
“I want both visitors and residents to understand that when they dine in South Carolina, they’re not just enjoying a meal. They’re experiencing a living heritage,” Ulysse said in a released statement. “Supporting local restaurants, farmers, and producer’s helps preserve our foodways while allowing the next generation of chefs to continue telling our story through food. Our culinary scene is authentic, soulful, and full of heart – and it’s only getting stronger.”
James London of Chubby Fish and Seahorse in Charleston and Jordan Heyd of Lekker Eats in Myrtle Beach were also chosen.
Past Upstate ambassadors include Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter, Jeanne Koenigsberg of Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery and Haydn Shaak of Restaurant 17 in Hotel Domestique.
