Palmetto State News

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has announced the winners of the inaugural Fresh on the Menu People’s Choice Awards. This initiative recognizes restaurants in South Carolina for their commitment to using local ingredients. Fresh on the Menu, a program associated with Certified South Carolina, emphasizes restaurants that source at least 25 percent of their ingredients from within the state.

From February 3 to February 21, diners voted for their favorite restaurants across four regions in South Carolina. The winners for 2025 are: Southside Smokehouse and Grille in Upstate, The Mediterranean Café in Midlands, Rivertown Bistro in Pee Dee, and a tie between Stono Market and Tomato Shed Cafe and Fleet Landing in Lowcountry.

Additionally, Juniper has been awarded the first-ever Martin L. Eubanks Award by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. This award is given in recognition of Juniper's exceptional commitment to supporting local farmers. Since its opening in Ridge Spring in 2005, Chef Brandon Velie and his wife Jeanne have consistently celebrated local farms and seasonal ingredients.

Grace Heins, Fresh on the Menu program manager, stated: “I congratulate each of these winners and thank them for their support of South Carolina farmers. These restaurants’ dedication to Certified South Carolina products strengthens our industry and brings delicious dishes to diners across the state.”

For further details on this year’s awards and winners, visit FreshOnTheMenu.com/Peoples-Choice-Awards.