Top Chef: Carolinas

Filming for Top Chef: Carolinas took place between August and October 2025. The season was produced in partnership with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and VisitGreenvilleSC. The show was approved for a North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant, receiving a $2.5 million grant rebate. The CRVA paid $1.2 million for the "integration of Charlotte assets" into Top Chef; these included verbal mentions, challenges, and reality segments filmed throughout Charlotte; highlights of local history, culture, and ingredients; and the participation of local chefs and restaurateurs. Grocery shopping segments were filmed at the Uptown Charlotte Whole Foods Market. The season's grand prize was furnished by a new sponsor, Graza Olive Oil, while the Quickfire Challenge's "quick cash" prizes were once again provided by Wells Fargo. Other sponsors included Bosch Home Appliances, Cracker Barrel, Duke's Mayonnaise, Finish Dishwasher Detergent and Additives, Josh Cellars Wine, Morton Salt, and Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto. ==Contestants==

Fifteen chefs competed in Top Chef: Carolinas. The cast notably includes identical twins, Brandon and Jonathan Dearden, and a pair of life partners, Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla, competing against each other. ==Contestant progress==

: The chef(s) won immunity for the next Elimination Challenge. : Due to Jennifer's medical removal and Justin declining his invitation to take her spot in order to look after Jennifer, Sieger was reinstated into the competition. : Rhoda won Last Chance Kitchen and returned to the competition. ; Quickfire Challenge : The chef won the Quickfire Challenge. : The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Quickfire Challenge but did not win. : The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Quickfire Challenge. ; Elimination Challenge : (WINNER) The chef won the season and was crowned "Top Chef". : (RUNNER-UP) The chef was a runner-up for the season. : (WIN) The chef won the Elimination Challenge. : (HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge but did not win. : (IN) The chef was not selected as one of the top or bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge and was safe. : (LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge but was not eliminated. : (OUT) The chef lost the Elimination Challenge. : (MED) The chef was medically removed from the competition. ==Episodes==