IRMO, S.C. – 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), taking place 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 world’s premier food competitions, drawing elite chefs and home cooks from around the globe to compete across ten 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 Williams earned his place on Team Lake Murray Country through a people’s choice vote of 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 celebrated for his Lowcountry and Gullah-inspired cuisine, infused with Asian, Caribbean, and Italian influences. A 2022 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, he is admired for his passion for scratch-made Southern food and his dedication to elevating South Carolina’s culinary culture.
When asked how he’s preparing for this year’s competition, Williams shared his 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 the World Food Championships:
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the world’s largest food sport event, where culinary competitors from around the globe face off in categories such as Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Sandwich, and Seafood. Winners earn 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.”
