Gov. McMaster names 3 SC chefs as culinary ambassadors for 2025. Here’s who made the list
For more than a decade, state leaders have annually named a group of SC Chef Ambassadors, part of an ongoing effort to promote the culinary traditions and agricultural heritage of the Palmetto State.
On Monday, the newest crop of ambassadors were unveiled.
Gov. Henry McMaster announced that he had appointed Jeanne Koenigsberg, executive chef and kitchen general manager of Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery; Darren Smith, owner and executive chef of Conway’s Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire; and Shuai Wang, chef and owner of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ in North Charleston, as the state’s 2025 Chef Ambassadors.
The trio will represent the state at food festivals and other promotional events throughout the next year. This is the 11th year of the ambassador program, which is a collaborative effort of the state’s Department of Agriculture and Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The governor appoints the ambassadors each year.
“Food is an important part of our state’s history, culture, and economy, and it’s where two of our largest industries — tourism and agriculture — overlap and excel,” McMaster said in a statement. “Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products.”
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery was founded in 2011 and is on Cedar Lane Road in Greenville, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s a grocery store, bakery and cafe, and also has a food hub where it partners with growers to help identify crops in high market demand.
“I’m humbled to accept this nomination in a non-traditional food service establishment,” Koenigsberg said in a statement. “It reminds us that the work we are doing is important to our community and surrounding communities. I know that this will continue to give us a platform to show the importance of local agriculture here in South Carolina.”
Smith’s Rivertown Bistro in Conway has been a mainstay for more than 30 years, offering elevated American cuisine with a contemporary twist. Meanwhile, his Bonfire is billed as a “smokin’ taqueria” along the Waccamaw River, offering a host of tacos, sandwiches, pulled pork and more.
“As someone born and raised in South Carolina, I’ve always believed our state is the most beautiful, with its diverse landscapes and world-class products,” Smith said in a statement. “To be named a South Carolina Chef Ambassador is an honor beyond anything I ever dreamed of.
“This opportunity is more than a title. It’s a chance to learn from others, build relationships with fellow chefs and farmers, and share my culinary knowledge and passion for South Carolina’s vibrant food culture.”
Wang’s Jackrabbit Filly touts “heritage driven Chinese American” fare at the restaurant on East Montague Avenue in North Charleston. Meanwhile, King BBQ’s website tabs it as “Chinatown BBQ with Southern smoke.”
King BBQ was listed among Southern Living’s best new barbecue joints in 2024.
“This opportunity is a great way for me to showcase just how easy it is to support your local farmers and fishermen, and that any cuisine is able to utilize what is locally grown seasonally,” Wang said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to all the fun events that I get to be a part of this year, representing Charleston and South Carolina.”
