The culinary skills, boldness, and creativity of Jeanne Koenigsberg of Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery have garnered the attention of Gov. Henry McMaster as she was named one of three 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors.

In a press conference held in Columbia on January 13, McMaster appointed Koenigsberg alongside chefs Darren Smith of Conway and Shuai Wang of North Charleston to represent the state through food festivals and other promotional opportunities for visitors and residents of the Palmetto State.

Their duties involve sharing South Carolina’s culinary traditions, agricultural heritage, and undiscovered places within South Carolina and beyond through the art form known as food.

“I’m humbled to accept this nomination in a non-traditional food service establishment,” said Koenigsberg, executive chef and kitchen general manager at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. “It reminds us that the work we are doing is important to our community and surrounding communities.

“I know that this will continue to give us a platform to show the importance of local agriculture here in South Carolina,” she said.

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Who is Jeanne Koenigsberg and what do SC Ambassadors do?

Honored for her expertise in farm-to-table meals and community engagement, Koenigsberg has expanded Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery’s reach, increasing the restaurant and storefront’s base and seasonal and catered menu options since her arrival in June of 2023.

Prior to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, Koenigsberg served as the executive sous chef at the Greenville Convention Center. While in Jacksonville, Florida, she was the executive chef at Wine Cellar and banquet chef for CSX, sous chef at The Museum of Contemporary Art — Jacksonville.

The South Carolina Chef Ambassadors program is now in its 11th year of existence as it assists in combining tourism and agriculture efforts in the state, which collectively contribute tens of billions of dollars to the economy and account for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide.

Chefs are appointed annually by Gov. McMaster, and the program is run through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), which directly aims its support to the state’s farmers by using certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, seafood, and other farm-fresh foods.

Chefs appointed to the program in the Upstate are commonly seen in prominent culinary roles at large-scale tourist events such as Fall for Greenville, euphoria and more.

“Food is an important part of our state’s history, culture, and economy, and it’s where two of our largest industries – tourism and agriculture – overlap and excel,” said McMaster of the 2025 class of Chef Ambassadors.

“Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products. I congratulate the 2025 class on this tremendous culinary honor,” he added.

In 2024, the Greer-based chef Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter was named a 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador.

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What is Swamp Rabbit Cafe?

Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery is a food market and cafe that has specialized in South Carolina-grown produce from farmers and vendors for nearly 14 years.

Owned by Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver, the neighborhood staple at 205 Cedar Lane Road has been committed to organic and ethically sourced ingredients since its inception, purchasing over $100,000 each month from local vendors and farmers around the state.

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Their menu features a taste of locally farmed ingredients, recipes, and easy-to-carry menu items that are lifestyle, diet, and culture-conscious to all of its visitors.

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– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.