Charlotte restaurant celebrates recognition honoring its commitment to seasonal Carolina cuisine, thoughtful hospitality and community
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Oct. 22, 2026 — Restaurant Constance, a farm-to-table dining destination in Charlotte, NC led by James Beard-nominated chef Sam Diminich, has been recognized in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South. The recognition highlights the restaurant’s commitment to ingredient-driven cuisine, intentional hospitality and the local farmers, artisans, and team members who make its dining experience possible.
In addition to the restaurant’s recognition, Diminich has been named one of the MICHELIN Guide’s Mindful Voices, an editorial initiative highlighting individuals whose commitment and actions are advancing new approaches in gastronomy, hospitality and wine. The platform celebrates leaders who are helping shape the future of their fields through thoughtful practices and innovative perspectives. Diminich’s recognition reflects his people-first approach to hospitality and his commitment to building meaningful connections among food, community and well-being.
“Being named a MICHELIN Guide Mindful Voice is an incredible honor because it recognizes what’s at the heart of our work: using food and hospitality to make a positive impact. Through Restaurant Constance and my work with Ben’s Friends, I’ve seen how hospitality can build community and support recovery, all while being of service to each other. That, to me, is the highest form of hospitality, and I’m honored to be recognized for it. This recognition belongs to our entire team, our farmers and everyone working to make a difference beyond the kitchen,” says Diminch.
Since opening in 2023, Restaurant Constance has established itself as a distinctive presence in Charlotte’s culinary scene, bringing together seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients and intentional hospitality. The restaurant was previously named a MICHELIN Recommended restaurant in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South.
Rooted in relationships and a shared commitment to excellence, Restaurant Constance’s approach extends beyond the plate. From the local farmers and purveyors who supply its ingredients to the culinary and front-of-house teams who bring each dining experience to life, the restaurant celebrates the people and partnerships at the heart of its work.
Hospitality is also reflected in the restaurant’s nonalcoholic beverage program, which has been an integral part of its identity since opening. Thoughtfully developed to complement its seasonal menus, the program reinforces Restaurant Constance’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for every guest.
“Thank you to MICHELIN for including us again and to everyone who has trusted us to feed them. Every year I’m prouder of what’s happening in Charlotte’s food scene. Congratulations to all of the chefs and restaurants recognized; I'm grateful to be part of this community,” said Diminich.
Located in Charlotte’s Wesley Heights neighborhood, Restaurant Constance offers a seasonal dining experience shaped by its relationships with local farms and its commitment to intentional hospitality.
About Restaurant Constance
Restaurant Constance is a farm-to-table dining destination in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded by award-winning and James Beard Foundation-recognized Executive Chef Sam Diminich. Dedicated to celebrating the stories of local farmers, the restaurant offers an ingredient-driven menu crafted with care and intention. Since opening in 2023, Restaurant Constance has earned recognition in the MICHELIN Guide American South and continues to serve as a gathering place for community and connection. For more information, visit restaurantconstance.com.
Restaurant Constance is a farm-to-table dining destination in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded by award-winning and James Beard Foundation-recognized Executive Chef Sam Diminich. Dedicated to celebrating the stories of local farmers, the restaurant offers an ingredient-driven menu crafted with care and intention. Since opening in 2023, Restaurant Constance has earned recognition in the MICHELIN Guide American South and continues to serve as a gathering place for community and connection. For more information, visit restaurantconstance.com.
About Your Farms Your Table Group
Founded in 2020 by Chef Sam Diminich, Your Farms Your Table Group (YFYT) is a Charlotte-based hospitality company connecting local agriculture, thoughtful hospitality, and community well-being through food. Led by Diminich and CEO Jill Vande Woude, the group’s portfolio includes Restaurant Constance, a MICHELIN Guide-recognized dining concept; Grey’s Diner & Community Kitchen, an approachable, community-focused diner; and a range of catering, curated events, personal chef services and community-supported meals. Rooted in the belief that food can be a bridge between people and a catalyst for healing, YFYT is committed to celebrating Carolina agriculture, fostering meaningful relationships and making high-quality, locally sourced food both meaningful and accessible. To learn more, visit yfytgroup.com.
Founded in 2020 by Chef Sam Diminich, Your Farms Your Table Group (YFYT) is a Charlotte-based hospitality company connecting local agriculture, thoughtful hospitality, and community well-being through food. Led by Diminich and CEO Jill Vande Woude, the group’s portfolio includes Restaurant Constance, a MICHELIN Guide-recognized dining concept; Grey’s Diner & Community Kitchen, an approachable, community-focused diner; and a range of catering, curated events, personal chef services and community-supported meals. Rooted in the belief that food can be a bridge between people and a catalyst for healing, YFYT is committed to celebrating Carolina agriculture, fostering meaningful relationships and making high-quality, locally sourced food both meaningful and accessible. To learn more, visit yfytgroup.com.
Media Contact:
Becky Budds
becky@ascentcomms.com