Chef Rival Is Bringing the Heat Back to the Twin Counties
- Makenzie Page
- May 28
- 2 min read
The Twin Counties’ food scene is about to heat up once again 👏
Ripe for Revival’s 4th Annual Chef Rival returns Tuesday, June 2nd with this year’s theme: A World of Flavors – Rooted in NC — bringing together bold global cuisine, local ingredients, and some of North Carolina’s top culinary talent for an evening centered around food, community, and impact.
The annual fundraiser highlights the power of locally sourced food while challenging chefs to create dishes using ingredients grown and produced throughout North Carolina. This year’s participating chefs include Chef Kyle Fletcher of Glasshouse Kitchen in Durham, Chef Roberto Barth of Vidrio in Raleigh, Chef Michael Williams of Lilyann’s Steakhouse in Rocky Mount, and Chef Ryan Grimm, Executive Chef of Blue Jay Bistro.
But beyond the competition itself, Chef Rival continues serving a much larger purpose.
Proceeds from the event directly support Ripe for Revival’s mission to “Revive Communities through Food,” helping provide access to fresh food, nutrition education, wellness initiatives, and culinary workforce opportunities throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Through programs like its Mobile Market initiative, Ripe for Revival continues addressing food insecurity while working to create healthier, more connected communities through local food systems and education.
Over the last several years, Chef Rival has grown into one of the region’s most unique culinary events — combining local agriculture, community impact, and high-level culinary creativity into one experience.
This year’s event once again highlights the growing connection between North Carolina agriculture, local chefs, and organizations working to strengthen communities through food access and education.
As excitement builds for the fourth annual event, organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support the mission, and experience an evening that celebrates both local flavor and local impact.
👉 Tickets and additional event information are available through Ripe for Revival.
