StarChefs Announces the 2024 Charleston-Savannah Rising Stars and Rising Stars Restaurant Week

StarChefs, the restaurant industry magazine, today announced its 2024 Charleston-Savannah Rising Stars. To celebrate the new class, StarChefs will host the Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Wednesday, December 4th through Wednesday, December 18th. The two-week promotion highlights the Rising Stars and gives diners the opportunity to experience the honorees’ signature dishes and drinks. The 2024 class includes 19 food and beverage professionals, recognized by StarChefs not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support their local communities. 

The Rising Stars Award winners are designated by the StarChefs editorial team based on in-person tastings and interviews. In each market, the editorial team tastes with and interviews more than 100 chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and artisans, ultimately selecting a group of professionals who best represent the future of American hospitality.

Although Rising Stars Awards are given out locally, Award winners are evaluated according to a set of national standards. Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy, and, of course, delicious food and drink win an individual the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star. The 2024 Charleston-Savannah Rising Stars will be the 89th class of Rising Stars Award winners—the 2nd class in Charleston and the 1st in Savannah. 

“In both Charleston and Savannah, the hospitality communities are punching well above their weight; recent years have leveled the field between tourists and locals, with an influx of new transplants seeking better quality of life on the coast," said Managing Partner Will Blunt. "Food and beverage concepts are similarly becoming more intimate and diverse, with a strong force of personal stories creatively told through the Lowcountry lens."

2024 STARCHEFS CHARLESTON-SAVANNAH RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS 

CHEFS 

  • Dave Baker of Brochu’s Family Tradition | Savannah, GA 
  • Joseph Harrison of Common Thread | Savannah, GA 
  • Daniel Harthausen of Late Air | Savannah, GA 
  • Nathan Hedlund of Da Toscano Porchetta Shop | Charleston, SC 
  • Thai Phi of Pink Bellies | Charleston, SC 
  • Jillian Schaffer of FIG | Charleston, SC 

GAME CHANGER - Celebrates a chef whose leadership is boldly advancing the restaurant industry, whether it's through boundary-pushing cuisine, an innovative dining format, or a revolutionary business idea.

  • Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura | Charleston, SC 

CONCEPT 

  • Alec Gropman of Bodega | Charleston, SC 

PITMASTER 

  • Hector Garate of Palmira Barbecue | Charleston, SC 

RESTAURATEURS 

  • Corrie and Shuai Wang of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ | Charleston, SC 

COMMUNITY - Recognizes professionals who are deeply connected to their local community, dedicate their time to community outreach, and are a catalyst for involving members of the culinary community in important initiatives. 

  • Brent and Danielle Sweatman of Sweatman’s Garden | Charleston, SC 

BAKERS

  • Hannah and Zachary Welton of Weltons Tiny Bakeshop | Charleston, SC 

ROASTER 

  • Zach McCutchen of Prophet Coffee | Charleston, SC 

BARTENDERS 

  • Daniel Dameron of Alley Cat Lounge | Savannah, GA 
  • Christian Favier of Seahorse | Charleston, SC 

SOMMELIER 

  • Libby Burk of Common Thread | Savannah, GA 

MENTOR - The 2024 class of Charleston-Savannah Rising Stars anonymously voted on a Mentor Award winner. The award goes to a chef who supports and inspires young restaurant professionals in their community, while nurturing talent with generosity, skill, and vision. 

  • Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary 

RESTAURANT WEEK BONUS STOP 

STARCHEFS SUPPORTS 

StarChefs is excited to partner with Singer Equipment Company and Chef Juan Cassalett of Malagón to support Lowcountry Food Bank during Rising Stars Restaurant Week. Since 1983, Lowcountry Food Bank has led the fight against hunger throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. For every Boquerones Brioche sold at Malagón during the Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $3 to Lowcountry Food Bank.