Mississippi paying to be in Michelin restaurant guide. Here’s how much, and why
Mississippi and other Southern states will pay to be part of the new Michelin guide to southern dining.
Announced earlier this month, the new Michelin Guide American South will encompass six states — Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, plus the Atlanta area.
Anonymous restaurant inspectors are already in southern states hunting for the best food, chefs and restaurants to be awarded a prestigious star in this first guide outside major U.S. cities, the company said. The inaugural issue will be available later this year.
Mississippi’s total investment will be $375,000 over the next three years.
Visit Mississippi, the state’s tourism promotion agency, will contribute $150,000 — or $50,000 each year in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The remaining funds will be paid by local destination marketing organizations throughout the state, said Katie Coats, director of the office of marketing and communications for Visit Mississippi.
In contrast, North Carolina will pay $1 million over the next three years, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The payments will have no impact on the awarding of stars, Michelin said.
The money will cover some of the costs incurred in establishing the Michelin Guide in a new location, Coats said, and promote the guide and Mississippi’s restaurants to readers worldwide.
The money won’t go directly to Michelin from the states but will be paid through Travel South USA, the marketing organization of the Southern United States.
“Visit Mississippi views this as a strategic marketing investment in elevating the state’s culinary profile and expanding tourism opportunities,” Coats said. “This marks the first time the Michelin Guide is introducing a regional edition in the United States, aiming to go beyond major Southern cities and highlight the authentic food culture of the American South,” she said. “A restaurant anywhere within the six states is viable for consideration.”
The guide will feature starred restaurants, Bib Gourmands and recommended establishments and is of significant value, she said, “It shines a spotlight on Mississippi chefs, supports culinary tourism and reinforces Mississippi’s place on the national and international food map.”
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 8:56 AM.
