HGTC International Culinary Institute and Chef Joseph Bonaparte Honored as Grand Strand Chef’s Table Expands into Future Food and Wine Festival

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce the recognition of Chef Joseph Bonaparte and students of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach (ICI) for their instrumental role in the success of the 2025 Grand Strand Chef’s Table, an immersive culinary experience presented by The Local Palate in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Visit Myrtle Beach.

Chef Bonaparte and ICI students played a major role in bringing this year’s event to life, setting the tone for an elevated culinary experience that organizers plan to significantly expand in the years ahead. In recognition of their leadership, creativity and professionalism, Chef Bonaparte was presented with a special thank-you plaque celebrating both his contributions to the inaugural event and the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership.

Visit Myrtle Beach’s Denielle Van Dyke (r) presents Chef Joe Bonaparte (l) a plaque for his contributions to the 2025 Grand Strand Chef’s Table Event.

Visit Myrtle Beach Honors Chef Joe Bonaparte for Contributions to the 2025 Grand Strand Chef’s Table Event.

“The International Culinary Institute is one of the Grand Strand’s greatest assets, and Chef Bonaparte’s leadership exemplifies the excellence we strive to deliver to our students and our community,” said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation and workforce development, while positioning Myrtle Beach as a destination where culinary talent thrives.”

The Grand Strand Chef’s Table was hosted at Pine Lakes Country Club and featured walk-around tasting stations from acclaimed regional chefs, James Beard–recognized guest chefs, and emerging culinary talent from ICI. Guests also enjoyed chef demonstrations, craft beverage pairings and a live performance by Myrtle Beach native and American Idol alum Mariah Faith.

Next year, the Chef’s Table will expand significantly through continued collaboration with ICI, The Local Palate, the James Beard Foundation, and Visit Myrtle Beach. Organizers are developing the event as the foundation for a larger food and wine festival, with a core goal of giving back to ICI and directly supporting culinary students.

“Our students gained invaluable real-world experience working alongside some of the most respected chefs in the region and beyond,” said Chef Joseph Bonaparte, HGTC Executive Director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. “This event highlights what is possible when education and industry come together, and it allows us to showcase the next generation of chefs who will shape the future of our local and regional food scene.”

The collaboration underscores Myrtle Beach’s growing national reputation as a hub for culinary innovation. Visit Myrtle Beach’s ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation has helped elevate awareness of Carolina Coastal Cuisine through chef-driven dinners, media events, and destination storytelling.

“The Grand Strand Chef’s Table reinforces that Myrtle Beach is more than a beach destination,” said Denielle Van Dyke, Public Relations Manager for Visit Myrtle Beach. “It is a place where creativity, culture, and community intersect, and where culinary experiences are becoming a powerful part of how visitors connect with The Beach.”

As planning continues for future iterations, the Grand Strand Chef’s Table represents the beginning of a long-term movement to celebrate, support, and elevate the region’s culinary community while strengthening educational pathways for aspiring chefs.

The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach at Horry-Georgetown Technical College boasts a state-of-the-art facility at the heart of the Grand Strand. Located at 920 Crabtree Lane in Myrtle Beach, it offers associate degree and certificate programs, including South Carolina’s famous Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Internships and scholarships are available to qualifying students. Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Culinary Arts programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute, and graduates are eligible for ACF certification.

 About HGTC

HGTC offers college transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 80 fields of study, and many with online class options. Nearly all programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-one percent (91%) of students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Horry-Georgetown Technical College prohibits discrimination against students and employees. Please direct discrimination and accessibility issues to the Office of Student Affairs at (843) 349-5228.