May 16, 2025

Charleston Chef Bob Carter Passes Away

News Summary

Renowned Charleston chef Bob Carter has died at 59. Known for his work at Peninsula Grill and contributions to the culinary community, his passing leaves a significant impact. He mentored many in the industry and hosted the Lowcountry Food Bank’s Chefs’ Feast, showing dedication to both his craft and community. Carter’s legacy includes several successful restaurants and a beloved coconut cake. His health struggles were well-known, yet he remained active until his death, leaving behind a rich culinary heritage.

Charleston – Renowned Charleston chef Bob Carter has passed away at the age of 59 on May 13, 2025. The Charleston County Coroner, Bobbi Jo O’Neal, confirmed his death, with the cause still pending for further investigation. Carter was found in a hotel room in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he was attending the American Lung Association’s Oxygen Ball charity event.

Carter was well-regarded for his significant contributions to the culinary world, primarily as the executive chef at the Peninsula Grill from the late 1990s until 2011. During his tenure, the restaurant gained extensive acclaim and played a vital role in elevating Charleston’s reputation on the national culinary stage. His leadership helped propel the Peninsula Grill to the forefront of fine dining in the South.

In 1999, Carter established the Lowcountry Food Bank’s Chefs’ Feast, an annual event that raised funds for the organization through live auctions and gourmet meals, successfully running for 25 years. An influential mentor, he guided many upcoming chefs, including notable figures like Steve Palmer, Sean Brock, and Jacques Larson, who are celebrated in the industry today.

After moving on from the Peninsula Grill, Carter continued to expand his culinary portfolio by opening several other successful establishments, including Carter’s Kitchen and Barony Tavern. In 2012, he co-founded the Rutledge Cab Company with industry icons like Mike Veeck and Bill Murray, although Carter departed from this venture in 2014.

Colleagues remembered Carter for his remarkable hospitality and culinary skills, especially noting his signature coconut cake, which attracted patrons from across the nation. His legacy extended beyond the kitchen, as he had a profound impact on the Charleston dining scene and the many chefs he trained.

Carter faced a number of significant health challenges throughout his life, including a severe car accident in 2013 that resulted in multiple injuries and a long wait for a kidney transplant. Despite these obstacles, at the time of his death, he was residing in Florida and actively engaged in writing cookbooks and providing consulting services to various restaurants and hotels.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Allison Carter, and their two sons, Benjamin and Harrison. Bob Carter’s passing marks a considerable loss for the Charleston culinary community, as he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship that shaped the careers of many in the industry.

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Chef Bob Carter Passes Away at 59

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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