Hampton Street Vineyard announces Chef Wesley Fulmer as executive chef & managing partner

Hampton Street Vineyard, the only upscale French restaurant in Columbia, SC, welcomes Chef Wesley Fulmer as its new executive chef and managing partner. Known for his innovative farm-to-table dishes and creative seasonal offerings, Chef Fulmer joins the team with an impressive culinary background, including his tenure as Executive Chef at Motor Supply Bistro in Columbia, SC. With years of experience working alongside some of the nation’s top chefs and a deep passion for food, his addition is set to elevate the dining experience at Hampton Street Vineyard.

With a career spanning over two decades, Chef Fulmer has mastered a range of cuisines, including Classic French, Southern, Cajun/French Creole, Rustic Italian, and South Carolina Lowcountry. His time as Executive Chef at Motor Supply Company Bistro earned numerous accolades, including Southern Living’s Best Restaurants in the South and multiple Best of Columbia awards from Free Times, Columbia Metropolitan, and The State. Recognized as Best Chef by Free Times from 2019 to 2023, Fulmer’s passion for food is deeply personal—rooted in family traditions and a lifelong commitment to hospitality. For him, every dish is an opportunity to craft a meaningful experience, a philosophy that aligns with the vision of Hampton Street Vineyard.

Owner and operator, Jonathan Lopez also brings a wealth of industry experience, spanning across fine dining, wine programs, and restaurant leadership. His career began while studying at the University of Texas, and he later honed his skills at renowned restaurants in Chicago and New York City. He advanced from beverage director, to general manager, and eventually earned his Advanced Sommelier certification in 2018 from the Court of Master Sommeliers, making him the only restaurateur in Columbia, SC with this esteemed certification. Since purchasing the restaurant in 2019, he has dedicated himself to elevating the local dining scene and bringing expertise from Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class wine programs to Hampton Street Vineyard.

“It is extremely refreshing to work with like-minded individuals who want to improve on a daily basis. I’m incredibly excited and deeply optimistic about the future of Hampton Street Vineyard. This restaurant is a true gem—rich in history and a cornerstone of Columbia’s dining scene. Now, I have the privilege of working alongside one of the industry’s best, Jonathan Lopez, as we take Hampton Street Vineyard to even greater heights,” states Managing Partner and Executive Chef, Wesley Fulmer.

“We couldn’t be more proud and excited to have Wes joining Hampton Street Vineyard as a partner. Our early conversations quickly made me aware that we shared a vision for a top-tier restaurant in Columbia. The last few months with Wes here at Hampton Street Vineyard proved that he’s committed to this shared vision through his hard work, dedication, and passion for quality. Things have quickly improved and I know that it is only the beginning of what I believe will be Hampton Street Vineyard’s best chapter. I look forward to continuing to work with Wes to further our vision to make this restaurant the best possible version of itself,” states owner Jonathan Lopez.

The restaurant will continue to host its monthly wine tastings and wine dinners for the Columbia community. Their next collaboration as official managing partners, with Chef Fulmer at the helm as Executive Chef, will be the Mardi Gras Dinner on Tuesday, March 4th. During this special event, Chef Fulmer will explore Louisiana’s rich food culture, inspired by Mardi Gras, with carefully curated beverage pairings available for purchase. In addition to these events, Chef Fulmer will be a featured chef at multiple 2025 Columbia Food and Wine Festival events, including HSV’s Collaborative Kitchen, BubbleQ, and The Grand Tasting. Together, the two plan to further solidify Hampton Street Vineyard as a premier destination for fine dining, exceptional hospitality, and an outstanding wine selection in the region.