North Carolina Will Host First Country Ham Restaurant Week
The event runs from October 15 to October 25, 2026, featuring salt-cured ham dishes at eleven local venues.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Food and Drink
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Starting October 15, 2026, eleven restaurants across North Carolina will participate in the state's inaugural Country Ham Restaurant Week. The event coincides with the return of the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition after a 27-year hiatus.
Why it matters
The restaurant week highlights traditional salt-cured, slow-aged ham as a culinary staple, integrating state heritage into modern dining experiences.
Eleven restaurants are participating in the inaugural event, which features dishes ranging from carbonara to croquettas. The N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition returns to Dorton Arena following a 27-year absence.
The players
Beaufort Grocery Co.
This establishment located in Beaufort is one of the eleven participants in the inaugural restaurant week.
The Hackney
This restaurant based in Washington is participating in the statewide celebration of country ham.
N.C. State Fair
This annual agricultural event is the host for the returning statewide country ham competition.
The details
Participating chefs will showcase salt-cured, slow-aged ham through a variety of creative culinary applications. The N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition will conduct its judging at 1 p.m. at Dorton Arena.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Country Ham Restaurant Week begins and the state fair competition returns.
October 15, 2026: The N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition judging takes place at 1 p.m.
October 25, 2026: Country Ham Restaurant Week concludes.
Industry Dynamics
This culinary event marks a resurgence in traditional food-based tourism by leveraging the heritage of the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition. It reflects a growing trend of tying local hospitality initiatives directly to legacy agricultural events.
Diners can visit participating restaurants throughout the state from October 15 to October 25 to sample various ham-centric dishes. Those interested in the competition can attend the judging at Dorton Arena on the opening day.
The takeaway
The event provides a unique opportunity to support local businesses while celebrating a long-lost tradition of regional food production. Readers are encouraged to verify individual restaurant menus to see how they have incorporated slow-aged ham into their offerings.
Further reading
Learn more about local culinary events on the North Carolina Food and Drink page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCTI.
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