Greg Collier, acclaimed owner of two Charlotte restaurants and a James Beard Award finalist, has assumed the role of executive chef at Fine & Fettle, the hotel restaurant inside the Canopy by Hilton in SouthPark. This move, announced recently, signals a bold evolution for the Queen City's fine dining landscape, blending Southern roots with French technique as Collier's new menu debuts in October.
Collier's Vision: Southern Soul Meets French Precision
Overseeing menu development, staff leadership, and kitchen operations, Collier is infusing Fine & Fettle with his signature style. He describes the offerings as a fusion of Southern cuisine and French culture, noting that "most of the stuff we do in the culinary world is French." Signature dishes highlight this synergy:
- Pan-seared duck breast with braised collard greens and house-made cornmeal gnocchi.
- Seared scallops paired with pickled okra, potlikker redux, and Hoppin' John featuring smoked turkey instead of pork.
Hoppin' John, a traditional Black American staple of rice and beans, gets a modern twist in Collier's hands, introducing hotel guests to underrepresented Southern foodways while nodding to his heritage.
From Hotel Roots to Restaurateur Stardom
This position marks a homecoming for Collier, who began his career in hotel kitchens before building an empire with wife Subrina. Their ventures include Uptown Yolk and 3rd & Fernwood, with Leah & Louise on temporary hiatus. As a formally trained chef, Collier's James Beard nod underscores his influence in elevating Black Southern cuisine amid a national push for culinary diversity.
- He's strategically phased himself out of daily operations at his spots, crediting "hard-working, loyal people."
- Balancing three concepts is "tough," but strong leadership enables this expansion.
Boosting Charlotte's Culinary Profile
Collier's arrival elevates hotel dining, a sector rebounding post-pandemic with demand for authentic, story-driven experiences. In Charlotte, where Southern traditions intersect global influences, his role could draw food tourists and locals, fostering economic growth in SouthPark. Broader implications include greater visibility for Black chefs—statistics show they hold under 7% of executive chef positions nationwide—while promoting healthier, heritage-based eating through dishes like turkey-infused Hoppin' John, rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Expect Fine & Fettle to become a must-visit, reinforcing Charlotte's status as a Southern culinary powerhouse.
