‘Top Chef’ Kicks Off Production of Season 23 in Charlotte

Production crews started filming Season 23 of "Top Chef" in Charlotte this week. The show's new host, Kristen Kish, joined veteran judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons at several spots around town. It marks the first time the cooking series has picked North Carolina's largest city.

On Aug. 16, Kish announced her arrival through a social media post. She made a quick stop at Bojangles, writing on Instagram per the Charlotte Observer: "Confirming my attendance in Charlotte, NC. Fittings. Tailoring. Bojangles." At the local chain, she picked up a meal of chicken, sides, and dipping sauces.

The trio stopped in at Church & Union, located at 127 N. Tryon St. They met up with chef-partner Jamie Lynch, who shared snapshots with Colicchio and Simmons online. Lynch, a past contestant on both "Top Chef" and "Top Chef All Stars," shared his thoughts: "It's much more fun to cook for these legends when it's NOT for competition!"

Charlotte now stands among the big-name cities that have hosted the show. Previous filming spots included Houston's busy streets, Portland's food scene, and Kentucky's rich culinary traditions. Since its 2006 start, the show has won several Emmy Awards.

So far, producers haven't shared which local spots will show up on screen. They're keeping quiet about what they'll ask contestants to do. Past shows mixed cooking at famous places with work alongside local kitchen talent.

The air date for Season 23 stays under wraps. Based on how Bravo usually runs things, viewers might catch the first episode in early 2026.