Greenville History & Culinary Tours Nominated for USA TODAY Award

The company is the only one from the Carolinas to be nominated for the best food tours in America.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Greenville History & Culinary Tours, a local tour company offering six different tours focused on the city's history and culinary scene, has been nominated by USA TODAY as one of the best food tours in the country. The company is the only one from the Carolinas to receive this nomination and is now competing against 19 other nominees nationwide.

Why it matters

This nomination is a significant recognition for Greenville's growing food and tourism scene, as it highlights the unique culinary experiences the city has to offer visitors. It also provides valuable exposure for the small local businesses featured on the tours, helping to drive more traffic and awareness.

The details

Greenville History & Culinary Tours offers a variety of tours, including a BBQ Trail tour and a Chef's Table tour. One of the popular tours is the New Restaurants of the Upstate Tour, which features a rotating lineup of new and emerging eateries in the region, such as Augusta Street Pizza, Tahini, and Qahwah Place. These stops showcase the diversity and innovation in Greenville's culinary landscape.

  • Voting for the USA TODAY award is open once per day through April 13 at noon.

The players

Greenville History & Culinary Tours

A local tour company offering six different tours focused on the city's history and culinary scene.

John Nolan

The owner of Greenville History & Culinary Tours.

Augusta Street Pizza

A restaurant run by three friends who moved to Greenville from Brooklyn, featuring Italian family heritage and Roman-style pizza.

Tahini

A restaurant run by a family from Syria, offering authentic Middle Eastern foods including hummus, shawarma, and grape leaves.

Qahwah Place

A Yemeni coffee shop offering unique desserts, a large space, and long hours.

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What they’re saying

“Greenville History & Culinary Tours has been nominated by USA TODAY as one of the best food tours in America.”

— John Nolan, Owner of Greenville History & Culinary Tours

What’s next

Voting for the USA TODAY award is open once per day through April 13 at noon, and the winner will be announced shortly after.

The takeaway

This nomination is a testament to the growing reputation of Greenville's food and tourism scene, and it provides valuable exposure for the small local businesses featured on the Greenville History & Culinary Tours. The community's support through daily voting could help secure the national recognition that these unique culinary experiences deserve.