StrEATs Neighborhood Cook-Off

Which Charlotte chef will win the title of the 2026 StrEATs Neighborhood Cook-off Champion?

Now in its fifth year, StrEATs will once again spotlight eight local chefs and their neighborhoods as they go head-to-head in a culinary showdown.

Each competitor was tasked to create a dish that captures the flavor and spirit of their neighborhood. After virtual preliminary rounds, four finalists will advance to the live competition.

Those four finalists will cook their signature dishes live at the Charlotte StrEATs Festival on Sunday, April 12th, where a panel of judges will select the ultimate winner.

The winning chef will take home $1,000, a trophy, and bragging rights as the 2026 StrEATs Neighborhood Champion.

UPTOWN
Ammalu Saleh
Serengeti Kitchen

EAST CHARLOTTE
Kimmy Bazan
El Veneno

ELIZABETH
Mike Long
Rosemont

LOSO
James Brokaw
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

WEST CHARLOTTE
Oscar Johnson
Biscuit Jam

SOUTH END
Juan Romero
Catalú

PLAZA MIDWOOD
Michael Le
Hello Uncle

SOUTH PARK
Maria Gonzalez
Mizu

2025:
Chef Garcia Brown
SOUTH END

Read about our 2025 Neighborhood Cook-off Champion Chef Garcia Brown of SouthBound here.

2024:
Chef Awo Amenumey
CONCORD

Read about our 2024 Neighborhood Cook-off Champion Chef Awo Amenumey of Eh’vivi here.

2023:
Chef Clayton Sanders
LOSO

Read about our 2023 Neighborhood Cook-off Champion Chef Clayton Sanders with Alyssa’s Kitchen here.