Commissioner Tyler J Harper, Georgia Restaurant Association Announce 2026 Georgia Grown Executive Chef Class

Tue, Mar 10 2026

ATLANTA, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association President and CEO Stephanie Fischer announced nine new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs during a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program connects chefs with Georgia farmers and producers to highlight the quality, flavor, and economic impact of locally grown ingredients across the state's restaurant industry.

The 2026 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs include:

• Hudson Terrell - The Animal Farm & Gabagool
• Holden McKinstry - Vice Kitchen Group
• Taylor Mead - Atlanta Botanical Gardens
• Kyle Bryner - Blue Hound BBQ
• Christian Bell - Oreatha's at The Point
• Burns Sullivan - 5 & 10
• Gary Caldwell - Marcus Bar & Grille
• Laura Orellana - Osteria Mattone
• Ben Vaughn - White Oak Kitchen & Cocktail

"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."

In its 17th year, the Georgia Grown Executive Chef program continues to expand awareness of Georgia Grown products across the state while recognizing a diverse group of culinary professionals who champion locally grown ingredients in their restaurants, schools, and communities.

• Category
• Commissioner

• Category
• Georgia Grown

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is dedicated to advancing Georgia's agricultural industry through effective regulation, support, and innovative marketing initiatives. The GDA ensures food safety, promotes plant and animal health, and drives economic growth, focusing on maintaining high standards in agriculture to uphold Georgia's reputation as the state's number one industry. A key component of the GDA's efforts is the Georgia Grown program, a dynamic marketing and economic development initiative designed to promote products grown or made in Georgia. By championing local farmers and businesses and encouraging Georgians to buy locally produced goods, Georgia Grown supports the state's economy and enhances consumer awareness of Georgia's agricultural products.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334