James Beard Foundation’s Chef Action Summit

Asheville is honored to host the 2025 James Beard Foundation Chef Action Summit, where culinary leaders, advocates and change-makers come together to shape a more sustainable and resilient food future. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s vibrant food scene—known as Foodtopia—is a living testament to the power of collaboration, sustainability and culinary excellence.

Foodtopia is more than a name; it’s a movement. An ecosystem of chefs, growers, artisans and diners who are redefining Appalachian food culture, Foodtopia is rooted in tradition yet constantly innovating. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s chefs and food leaders—many of whom have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation—have demonstrated remarkable resilience, leading efforts to build a more local, sustainable and delicious food system. 

As you immerse yourself in this experience, we invite you to connect with Asheville’s chefs, meet the makers behind the movement, and be inspired by a city that embraces sustainability, creativity and community. Welcome to Asheville—where food is more than a meal; it’s a movement.

Welcome Reception

Explore Asheville is proud to host you at a special welcome reception Sunday night at Highland Brewing Company, showcasing some of Asheville’s most celebrated chefs and their commitment to local, sustainable cuisine. This exclusive evening highlights the talent behind renowned establishments like Cúrate, Chai Pani, Good Hot Fish and Leo’s House of Thirst, featuring acclaimed chefs shaping Asheville’s dynamic food scene.

Participating Chefs 

• Katie Button – Founder of Cúrate, 2022 James Beard Award (JBA) Winner, Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alum, Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership alum
• Meherwan Irani – Founder of Chai Pani, 2022 JBA Winner, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020 JBA Semifinalist, Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alum
• Eric Morris – Cultura, 2020 JBA Semifinalist
• Ashleigh Shanti – Good Hot Fish, 2025 JBA Semifinalist, Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alum, Taste America Chef
• Ashley Capps – Newstock Pantry, 2019 JBA Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef
• Austin Inselmann – Leo's House of Thirst, 2025 JBA Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program

Service Project

Attendees are invited to participate in a service project with Riverlink, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving and revitalizing Asheville’s waterways. Unfortunately, during tropical storm Helene our regions’ rivers experienced significant damage to their streambanks, particularly in our highly developed corridors. Join us in the ongoing restoration and enhancement of our riparian zones – the critical area of land directly adjacent to streams and rivers. Your efforts to help us restore vulnerable riparian habitat will improve habitat for wildlife, reduce the amount of sediment in our waterways, and increase our region’s resilience to future flood events.

Dining Guide

To guide your free nights, we’ve curated a list of James Beard Foundation-recognized chefs and restaurants. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.

DINING GUIDE

"Shell or High Water" Oyster Roast at The Market Place

The Market Place Restaurant will host a special private ticketed event for James Beard Chef Action Summit attendees from 7:30pm-10pm on Monday, April 7th. Chef William Dissen will be serving up a delicious menu of sustainable seafood options, crushable cocktails, beer, wine and live music. Get together with old friends and meet new ones after a great day of learning and networking for a casual dine around in our bar and garden patio. Only 60 tickets are available. Click HERE to reserve your spot.