Greg Collier, acclaimed owner of two Charlotte restaurants and a James Beard Award finalist, has stepped into the executive chef position at Fine & Fettle, the hotel restaurant inside the Canopy by Hilton in SouthPark. This move, announced recently, signals a fresh evolution in Charlotte's dining scene, blending his Southern heritage with refined techniques to elevate hotel hospitality.
Menu Innovation and Leadership Responsibilities
As executive chef, Collier oversees menu development, staff leadership, and kitchen operations, with his vision debuting in October. His approach fuses Southern cuisine and French influences, reflecting the foundational French techniques that underpin much of modern culinary practice.
- 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
Collier highlights Hoppin' John—a traditional Black American dish of rice and beans—as a standout, reimagined to introduce unfamiliar palates to deep Southern foodways.
Roots in Black Foodways and Hotel Experience
A formally trained chef, Collier returns to hotel kitchens where he honed his skills early in his career. This role complements his portfolio, including Uptown Yolk and 3rd & Fernwood, co-owned with his wife Subrina; Leah & Louise remains temporarily closed. His work spotlights the resurgence of African American culinary traditions amid a broader trend toward authentic, heritage-driven dining in urban centers like the Queen City.
Balancing Ventures Amid Growth
Managing this alongside his restaurants presents challenges, but Collier credits strong teams and strategic phasing out of daily involvement at his spots. "We're very fortunate that we've got very hard-working, loyal people," he notes. This expansion underscores a maturing Charlotte food landscape, where James Beard-recognized talents drive innovation in hotel dining, potentially attracting more tourists and locals seeking elevated Southern fare.
The appointment positions Fine & Fettle as a culinary destination, amplifying Black-led influences in fine dining and contributing to Charlotte's rise as a Southern gastronomic hub.
