Latest news with #TheGreatFoodTruckRace
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Behind the Menu: What's feeding the Pee Dee's growing hospitality industry and food scene?
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — The Pee Dee region is becoming quite the food destination, with new developments growing the hospitality industry and recent events gaining national exposure in both Florence and Darlington. So, what's feeding the industry? Michael Miller, president of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, shared this answer. 'People moving in, people passing through, it's created this energy and synergy, if you will, for new restaurants to open,' he said. It's the kind of activity that longtime residents and entrepreneurs like Tim Norwood never stopped building on and working toward 'It's so gratifying to see our community get recognized, and so much of being in a rural town, we are under-appreciated, and not only by everyone else in the state, but a lot of times under-appreciated by our own citizens,' Norwood said. Norwood, a business owner and investor who believes in raising the bar so others can believe in the importance and see the city of Florence's potential, is one of the founders of the Florence Food and Wine Festival. 'Charleston has one, Columbia has one, Greenville has one, and Miami has one, and we said we can do this,' he said. 'We are not any different from these other places. We just have to put the time and commitment, and resources together and make it happen.' Six years ago, the festival started with 60 attendees and has now grown into a huge success. Four years ago, James Beard awardees 'The Lee Bros.,' — Matt and Ted Lee — were brought on board from Charleston to produce and host the festival. This year's event Took place last month. 'That has brought a whole new dynamic and national exposure to the region,' Miller said. There were those naysayers that said it can't be done, but it was, and it continues to grow year after year now.' Miller said the exposure has people seeing Florence in a different light, resulting in economic development that contributes to growth across the board. 'Twenty-five years ago, we didn't have an Olive Garden,' he said. 'We didn't have all those restaurants that you would expect in a community our size.' He said restaurants are now a percentage of the total employment being well above 10% for the area. 'It snowballed, slow at first, and now has grown into this huge success,' Miller said. Just west of Florence, the city of Darlington has also been getting some national attention recently. Earlier this month, the Food Network filmed 'The Great Food Truck Race' in Darlington, and for part of the event, local businesses partnered with food trucks to dish out local flavors. 'It's pretty exciting to have the Food Network out here,' said Olivia Ridgill, owner of Joe's Grill. 'That's very good for Darlington. It's putting us on the map, showing you what kind of good food we have to offer here in Darlington.' Ridgill took over ownership of Joe's Grill seven years ago. She said discussions about a second location are in the works, but there is nothing to announce just yet. 'We need a little more culinary like downtown Florence, you know, a fancy restaurant on the square, something a little bit more, fine dining,' she said. Expanding people's palates, Norwood and his business partner, two-time James Beard award nominee Chef Elliott Moss, became the new owners of Seminar Brewery in March, adding to the title Elliott's BBQ Lounge. 'This is all about enhancing the quality of life and providing comfort that Florence is a great place to move to, to live in, to grow in, and to be part of it,' Norwood said. * * * Adriana Cotero is News13's weekend evening anchor and a morning reporter. She joined the team in July 2023 after working in the island of Guam. Adriana is from Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Follow Adriana on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annual She-Crab Soup Classic brings Food Network celebrity chef to Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH — Savor some soup this weekend at the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic. The annual event is from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at 31st Street park at the Oceanfront. Participants will be able to sample and cast votes for the Sean Brickell People's Choice Awards, while culinary experts specializing in regional cuisine will be announcing the Critics' Choice Awards. Food Network celebrity chef Tyler Florence will serve as guest judge on the panel. Also, 'The Great Food Truck Race,' hosted by Florence, will be filming at the Oceanfront. Fans can visit food trucks starting at 11 a.m. The trucks will be parked along Atlantic Avenue in front of 31st Street park. Participating restaurants include: Tides Coastal Kitchen Scotty Quixx East Catch 31 Rockafellers Yiannis Tempt Waterside Seafood Company Citrus at Great Neck Road CP Shuckers at Shore Drive Blue Pete's Tickets available at the door are not guaranteed. Tickets start at $30. To buy online or for more information, visit Fun to Do: Katt Williams, wine expo, 'The Sound of Music' and more Want more information about what's happening around Hampton Roads? Sign up for our Weekend Scoop newsletter. Patty Jenkins,
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celebrity chef Tyler Florence abruptly walks away from Union Square kiosks: reports
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A celebrity chef who partnered with the City of San Francisco to bring two new kiosks to Union Square has abruptly walked away from both of them, according to reports. Tyler Florence, who starred on 'Food 911' and 'The Great Food Truck Race' on the Food Network, opened the two Miller & Lux Provisions cafes in 2023 in a move announced by then-Mayor London Breed. However, last weekend Florence stepped away from operating the kiosks, right before the start of the NBA All-Star weekend, according to a report in the San Francisco Examiner. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, which also reported the story, a San Francisco Recreation and Parks official said Florence decided to 'move on' from the cafes. Bay Area city crowned culinary capital in the nation Kohl's to close 27 underperforming stores this spring, including several in Bay Area The official, according to the Chronicle, did not say why. In September of 2023, Florence was given three-year leases for the two spaces — one adjacent to Stockton Street and another adjacent to Powell Street — with options for two three-year extensions, Mayor Breed's office said at the time. The Powell Street location showcased pastry and breakfast options and boasted a coffee bar. The Stockton Street location was more savory-focused with roasted chicken, 'farm fresh' sides, artisanal cheeses, and beer and wine. 'Union Square continues to evolve, and we're excited about what's next. Miller & Lux stepped into the space with a pop-up during a critical time for the area, bringing energy and great food when it was needed most,' Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs Tamara Barak Aparton told the Chronicle. Neither space was referred to as a temporary pop-up when they were announced. Florence received a $440,000 grant from the city to upgrade and launch the two spaces. Following Florence's abrupt departure, the city recruited a 'celebrated local baker' to provide pastries over the NBA All-Star weekend. has reached out to Tyler Florence and to city officials for comment. We have yet to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
