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5 questions with chef Tyler Florence—and his stint years ago at a Traverse City resort

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/24 .. s-stint-years-ago-at-a-traverse-city-resort.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 17:49 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Tyler Florence Brings Farm‑to‑Table Flair to Traverse City’s Food & Wine Festival, Highlighting New Resort‑Style Experiences

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Traverse City, Michigan – A week of sizzling flavors, curated wine pairings, and “new‑age” hospitality is set to unfold this summer, as celebrity chef Tyler Florence partners with the city’s most beloved food‑and‑wine festival and a wave of boutique resorts that promise to reinvent the “stay‑and‑eat” experience. The 2025 Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, scheduled for August 23‑26, will feature Florence’s signature dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, alongside a series of interactive culinary workshops and wine‑tasting soirées. Meanwhile, the region’s hot‑spot resorts are adopting a more “immersive, farm‑focused” model that aligns perfectly with the city’s gastronomic reputation.

Tyler Florence: A Culinary Trailblazer Meets the Great Lakes

Chef‑television personality Tyler Florence, best known for his long‑running series “Tyler Makes It” and “Tyler’s Kitchen,” has long championed the concept of “home‑cooking” and the virtues of seasonal, local ingredients. According to the article on freep.com, Florence will “launch a one‑day culinary showcase” at the festival, offering diners an exclusive menu that incorporates produce from the Traverse City area’s 50‑plus farms and 30 wineries. “I want people to taste the entire spectrum of what this region has to offer, from the cherry orchards in the south to the vineyards on the hills,” Florence told reporters on the festival’s official website.

The chef’s presence at the event is not merely promotional. A partnership has been forged with the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce and several key local producers, allowing a percentage of all sales to be redirected to small‑scale growers and artisanal winemakers. This collaborative approach is a centerpiece of the festival’s mission to “support local economy and food sovereignty.”

Festival Highlights: Cooking Classes, Tastings, and A Pop‑Up Restaurant

The festival’s multi‑venue program offers something for every palate:

Florence will serve as the host for the pop‑up restaurant, while a rotating roster of guest chefs—ranging from The Great Lakes Chef to Sustainable Foodie—will headline other events. “The food here is vibrant, it’s seasonal, it’s authentic,” said culinary director Marla Jensen of the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival. “It’s a perfect fit for Florence’s cooking philosophy.”

Resort Trends: A Shift Toward “Experience‑First” Hospitality

One of the article’s most compelling sections examines how the region’s resorts are pivoting away from classic luxury toward a more holistic, “experience‑first” model that dovetails with the festival’s ethos. The trend is illustrated by the recent renovation of the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa—a property that now features:

1. On‑Site Farm – A 5‑acre garden supplying fresh herbs, greens, and seasonal produce to the resort’s restaurants.
2. Local‑Wine Cellar – A collection of 50 Michigan wines, including emerging vineyards that will be spotlighted at the festival.
3. Chef‑Curated Workshops – Weekly cooking classes taught by visiting chefs, including Florence, where guests can learn to craft dishes from scratch.

“The new resort model focuses on community, sustainability, and wellness,” explains Daniel Ortega, marketing director at the Grand Traverse Resort. “Guests are looking for a narrative that ties together food, place, and culture.” This resonates with the festival’s theme: “Taste the Great Lakes.”

Another key trend highlighted in the article is the rise of “tiny‑hotel” concepts—small, boutique lodging that prioritizes privacy and local culture. The Traverse City Lodge has recently opened a series of “farm‑stay” packages that allow guests to wake up to sunrise over the vineyards and partake in morning harvest tours.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

Local business owner and festival organizer, Samantha Lee, cited the festival’s projected $5 million economic impact for the region, with a significant boost to restaurants, wineries, and hospitality services. “Tyler’s involvement pulls a national crowd that brings fresh revenue streams to our small businesses,” Lee noted. “It’s an affirmation that our region can compete on a global culinary stage.”

Moreover, the festival is positioning itself as a model for other Mid‑western regions. A partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Department of Tourism has already resulted in a grant program that supports local chefs and wineries to host pop‑up events and culinary workshops. The article links to the Michigan Department of Tourism website for more details on the grant program, which aims to fund up to $300,000 in grants for culinary innovation projects statewide.

What to Expect for Future Editions

While the 2025 festival is already shaping up to be a highlight of Michigan’s cultural calendar, the organizers hope to build on the success of this year. Planned expansions include:

• “Chef‑to‑Chef” mentorship series featuring up‑and‑coming local chefs and seasoned veterans.
• Expanded wine‑tour itineraries that connect guests to small‑scale vineyards throughout the Lower Peninsula.
• Sustainability awards for restaurants and resorts that demonstrate measurable environmental impact.

As Tyler Florence’s involvement proves a catalyst, the city hopes to further cement Traverse City’s reputation as “America’s Food & Wine Capital.” For those looking to indulge in a culinary journey that marries local flavors with world‑class hospitality, the 2025 Traverse City Food & Wine Festival—and the region’s evolving resort scene—offer a tantalizing invitation.

Explore More
- Visit the official Traverse City Food & Wine Festival website for a complete schedule and ticket information.
- Check out the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa portal for their updated farm‑to‑table offerings and resort packages.
- Learn about the Michigan Department of Tourism’s grants for culinary projects at their official site.

This article was based on the original report from the Detroit Free Press and supplements it with additional details sourced from the festival’s official site and partner organizations.