20 New Celebrity Chefs That Are Creating A Buzz In The USA 2025 That Are $15,000 Or Less To Book For Your Next Event

The culinary landscape in the United States is continually evolving, with emerging chefs introducing innovative flavors and concepts that captivate diners nationwide. Celebrity Chef Network is the premiere information, consulting and booking agency in the culinary space.   Our team of researchers have developed this list for any event, brand and/or organization looking to hire a celebrity chef that has some excitement in the culinary world and is affordable.  Here are 20 new celebrity chefs creating a buzz in the U.S. that are $15,000 or less to book at your next event:

1. Francisco Aguilar Simón: Recognized as a 2024 Los Angeles Rising Star by StarChefs, Simón is celebrated for his culinary creativity and contributions to the vibrant LA food scene.
2. Nico de Leon: Chef at Lasita in Los Angeles, de Leon has gained attention for his modern take on Filipino cuisine, earning him a spot among the 2024 Los Angeles Rising Stars.
3. Nestor Silva & Elizabeth Heitner: The duo behind Malli in Los Angeles, they are recognized for their innovative approach to Mexican cuisine, making them 2024 Los Angeles Rising Stars.
4. Rashida Holmes: Chef at Bridgetown Roti in Los Angeles, Holmes is celebrated for her Caribbean-inspired dishes, earning her recognition as a 2024 Los Angeles Rising Star.
5. Jihee Kim: A 2024 Los Angeles Rising Star, Kim is known for her exceptional pastry creations that blend traditional techniques with modern flavors.
6. Camari Mick: Chef at The Musket Room and Raf’s in New York, Mick has been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs for 2024, highlighting her innovative culinary style.
7. Mary Attea: Also at The Musket Room and Raf’s in New York, Attea shares the honor of being one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs for 2024, recognized for her creative approach to modern cuisine.
8. Ryan Fernandez: Chef Fernandez redefines fusion with his blend of classic Indian flavors and American barbecue, earning him a spot among America’s favorite chefs in 2024.
9. Sarah Minnick: Celebrated for her innovative pizza creations, Minnick is recognized as one of America’s favorite chefs in 2024.
10. Christina Nguyen: Chef at Hai Hai and Hola Arepa in Minneapolis, MN, Nguyen was named Best Chef: Midwest at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, honoring her contributions to the culinary scene.
11. Ana Liz Pulido: Chef at Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission, TX, Pulido received the Best Chef: Texas award at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, highlighting her impact on Texan cuisine.
12. Masako Morishita: Chef at Perry’s in Washington, D.C., Morishita was honored as Emerging Chef at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, recognizing her rising influence in the culinary world.
13. Michael Rafidi: Chef at Albi in Washington, D.C., Rafidi was awarded Outstanding Chef of the Year at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, celebrating his exceptional contributions to American cuisine.
14. Gregory Gourdet: Chef at Kann in Portland, OR, Gourdet won Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, known for his Haitian-inspired cuisine and diverse, female-led team.
15. Valerie Chang: Chef at Maty’s in Miami, Chang was named Best Chef: South at the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards, recognized for her culinary excellence and dedication to her craft.
16. Sujan Sarkar: Chef at Indienne in Chicago, Sarkar is making waves by incorporating beef into Indian cuisine, challenging traditional taboos and reflecting a shift in culinary attitudes.
17. Dawn Burrell: A former Olympic long jumper turned chef, Burrell has gained recognition for her culinary skills and participation in “Top Chef,” showcasing her competitive spirit and dedication to the culinary arts.
18. Lawrence “LT” Smith: A former college football player turned chef in Phoenix, Smith is known for his teamwork and competitive spirit in the kitchen, drawing parallels between his sports background and culinary career.
19. Maryah Ananda: An emerging chef gaining attention for her culinary creations and presence on social media, Ananda is among the cool chefs to follow in 2024 for food inspiration.
20. Molly Baz: A chef and food writer, Baz is recognized for her approachable recipes and engaging online presence, making her one of the culinary artists to watch in 2024.

These chefs are making significant contributions to the American culinary scene, bringing diverse backgrounds, innovative techniques, and unique flavors that continue to shape and redefine dining experiences across the country.  If you are interested in other celebrity chefs, let us know here if you would like to set up a call to discuss budgets and celebrity chef needs.

If you or your brand and/or organization would like to hire any of these incredible celebrity chefs contact us at 833-773-2577 or email to speak with a celebrity chef agent to discuss top celebrity chefs available for your organization and event.