Irmo’s Chef Chris Williams returns to the World Food Championships in Indianapolis October 16-19, 2025
October 9, 2025
Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is proud to announce that Chef Chris Williams of Roy’s Grille will represent Team Lake Murray Country at the World Food Championships (WFC), October 16-19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Williams will compete in the Sandwich category, bringing his signature Southern flair to the global culinary stage.
The World Food Championships is one of the highest-stakes food competitions in the world, drawing elite chefs and home cooks to compete across 10 categories for food, fame, and fortune. Since 2021, Taste of Lake Murray, CCLMC’s annual fundraiser for the Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration, has served as the official South Carolina Super Regional Qualifier for the WFC.
At the 2025 Taste of Lake Murray event on March 27, Chef Chris Williams earned his place on Team Lake Murray Country through a people’s choice vote by more than 800 attendees. This marks his fourth appearance at the WFC, following an impressive track record that includes a 2nd-place finish in 2023.
“Lake Murray Country and South Carolina are filled with wonderful and kind people, and to be able to represent them on a national stage is an honor,” said Williams. “It felt like I was being called home when I was selected to represent Team Lake Murray Country.”
Williams, owner of the beloved Roy’s Grille in Lexington County, is known for his Lowcountry and Gullah-inspired cuisine, infused with Asian, Caribbean, and Italian influences. He describes his cooking as soulful and rooted in tradition while celebrating global flavor. A 2022 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Williams is admired for his passion for scratch-made Southern food and his dedication to elevating local culinary culture.
When asked how he’s preparing for this year’s competition, Williams says he’s taking a grounded approach: “I’m honestly keeping it very simple this year. I’m doing what feels natural and good, and may God allow the chips to fall where they may.”
Follow Along: Stay updated on Chef Chris Williams’ journey at the World Food Championships by following @LakeMurrayCountry on Facebook and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes looks and delicious updates from the chef himself, follow @RoysGrille on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About World Food Championships
The WFC is the world’s largest food sport event, where culinary competitors from around the globe battle across categories such as Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Sandwich, and Seafood for a chance at the coveted Golden Ticket and a share of $100,000 in prize money. Since its founding in 2012, teams from nearly 40 countries and every U.S. state have competed in “The Ultimate Food Fight.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Lake Murray, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda. To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. For more information about CCLMC, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-JEWEL. Stay up-to-date with trip ideas, events, and more by following us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube
