Ted Recognized With Community Impact Award from Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Photo by Piper Jones, courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food

Our new year got off to an uplifting start at a luncheon on January 27th honoring the Charleston Wine + Food Festival’s 2026 Community Impact Award honorees — including our very own Ted!  We were honored to see Ted recognized alongside some truly inspiring members of Charleston’s culinary and local business community, including Shuai & Corrie Wang of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ, Lisa Buzzelli of the Culinary Institute of Charleston, Emma Cromedy of Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine and Lowcountry Local First.

The Charleston Wine + Food Festival’s Community Impact Awards celebrate the voices, supporters and visionaries within Charleston’s culinary and hospitality community whose influence, generosity and perseverance have created  lasting change by paying it forward to uplift the next generation. Each year, the Festival bestows “Community Impact Awards” upon a select group of honorees, nominated by their peers, who embody the people-first leadership, artistry, and dedication that define our local culinary and hospitality industry.

The luncheon took place at The Grand at 81 Mary, the beautiful new event space from Duvall Catering in downtown Charleston, and served as a fundraiser for Charleston Wine + Food’s High School Culinary Scholars Program. Serving more than 1,200 local high school students annually, the program complements classroom learning by placing students in real kitchens and hospitality spaces, working alongside seasoned professionals and some of the nation’s best culinary talent. Students gain job-ready skills, build networks, and earn hours toward certifications like ProStart, laying the foundation for strong, sustainable careers.

Ted was humbled and honored to be recognized for his efforts to give back to the community. We want to extend a special thank you to our kind and generous friends and customers who came to the luncheon - we appreciate your support!