Chris Williams’ Carolina Korean Cheesesteak (left) and Pesto & Pimento Lobster Grilled Cheese served with Coconut Curry Tomato Basil Soup (right).
Chef Chris Williams Wins 2nd Place in Sandwich Category at the World Food Championships
Local Chef Shines Nationally with His Signature Southern-Korean Fusion
IRMO, S.C. – Representing Team Lake Murray Country, Lexington County, and the State of South Carolina on the national stage, Chef Chris Williams of Roy’s Grille captured 2nd place in the Sandwich Category at the 2025 World Food Championships (WFC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Williams wowed judges with one of his restaurant’s most popular creations — the Carolina Korean Cheesesteak, a flavorful fusion of Southern comfort and Korean-inspired flair. The bold, crowd-pleasing dish earned him a spot in the finals, where he impressed again with a Pesto & Pimento Lobster Grilled Cheese served alongside Coconut Curry Tomato Basil Soup. The inventive pairing secured his runner-up finish among elite chefs from around the globe.
This marks Williams’ fourth appearance at the WFC and his second time placing in the top three, further solidifying his reputation as one of South Carolina’s most talented and innovative chefs.
“Lake Murray Country is so proud of Chef Chris Williams and how well he continues to represent our region on a national stage,” said Amy Hoffman, Interim President and Bookkeeper of the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC). “His culinary creativity and natural Southern charm attract attention and leave a lasting impression. It is our honor to have once again sent him to this competition to show the world what we already know: he is special, and his food is absolutely delicious.”
A 2022 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Williams continues to exemplify the state’s culinary excellence through his commitment to local ingredients, community service, and authentic Southern hospitality.
“Chef Chris Williams continues to be an outstanding ambassador for South Carolina’s rich culinary heritage,” said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “His success at the World Food Championships highlights the incredible talent we have across the state and the unique flavors that define our food scene.”
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. Williams earned his 2025 spot on Team Lake Murray Country through a people’s choice vote at the March 27 event, where more than 800 attendees sampled dishes from top local chefs.
Celebrate Chef Williams’ success and follow his journey by connecting with @LakeMurrayCountry on Facebook and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes looks and mouthwatering updates, follow @RoysGrille on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About the World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (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 what’s known as “The Ultimate Food Fight.”