The culinary world is constantly evolving, and with the rise of food-focused television shows, new celebrity chefs are emerging as household names. From competitive cooking series to lifestyle food programs, these rising stars are captivating audiences with their skills, personalities, and innovative approaches to cooking.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest new celebrity chefs on television in the USA who are making waves and quickly becoming fan favorites.
1. Kelsey Barnard Clark (Top Chef Winner, Food Network Personality)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: Kelsey first gained national attention by winning Top Chef: Season 16. Her Southern-inspired, elevated cuisine and charismatic presence have made her a sought-after personality on Food Network.
Where to Watch Her: She appears as a guest judge and host on Food Network shows and continues to grow her influence through cooking segments and brand partnerships.
2. Shota Nakajima (Top Chef Finalist, Iron Chef Challenger)
Why He’s Becoming a Star: A fan-favorite finalist on Top Chef: Portland, Shota Nakajima has become known for his mastery of Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. His down-to-earth personality and creativity have made him a rising star.
Where to Watch Him: He frequently appears as a guest chef on cooking shows and is making waves in the restaurant industry with new projects.
3. Kristen Kish (Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, Top Chef Winner)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: After winning Top Chef, Kristen Kish has built an impressive career as a TV personality, cookbook author, and the new host of Top Chef after Padma Lakshmi’s departure.
Where to Watch Her: She is the host of Top Chef, and you can also see her on Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend on Netflix.
4. Tobias Dorzon (Tournament of Champions, NFL Star-Turned-Chef)
Why He’s Becoming a Star: A former NFL player turned celebrity chef, Tobias Dorzon has made a name for himself with bold flavors and high-energy cooking. His background in sports and food makes him a unique personality in the culinary world.
Where to Watch Him: Competing on Food Network’s Tournament of Champions and other cooking competitions.
5. Pyet DeSpain (Next Level Chef Winner)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: As the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, Pyet DeSpain has been using her platform to highlight Indigenous cuisine and showcase her unique culinary perspective.
Where to Watch Her: Featured on Next Level Chef and in brand partnerships promoting Indigenous food culture.
6. Eric Adjepong (Top Chef Finalist, TV Host)
Why He’s Becoming a Star: Known for bringing West African flavors into the mainstream culinary conversation, Eric Adjepong has leveraged his Top Chef fame into hosting roles and cookbook projects.
Where to Watch Him: Hosting Alex vs. America on Food Network and appearing on various cooking competition shows.
7. Tiffani Faison (Tournament of Champions, Food Network Judge)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: A Top Chef alum who has reinvented herself as one of the fiercest competitors and judges on Food Network, Tiffani Faison has become a staple in food television.
Where to Watch Her: Competing in Tournament of Champions and judging on multiple Food Network shows.
8. Brooke Williamson (Tournament of Champions Winner, Top Chef Alum)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: Already a well-respected chef, Brooke’s back-to-back victories on Food Network’s Tournament of Champions have solidified her as a top culinary competitor.
Where to Watch Her: Competing on Tournament of Champions, judging on Food Network, and making appearances on Top Chef.
9. Keem Hughley (Pressure Cooker on Netflix)
Why He’s Becoming a Star: A rising force in the plant-based and modern soul food scene, Keem Hughley gained a massive following after appearing on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker.
Where to Watch Him: Catch him on Pressure Cooker and follow his growing influence on social media.
10. Mei Lin (Top Chef Winner, Fast Food Innovator)
Why She’s Becoming a Star: Since winning Top Chef, Mei Lin has been redefining casual dining with creative, high-quality fast food, particularly through her restaurant, Daybird.
Where to Watch Her: Appearing as a guest chef and judge on Top Chef and food competition shows.
Why These Chefs Matter in the Culinary World
These rising stars represent the future of food television. They bring diverse cultural influences, innovative cooking styles, and engaging personalities to the table, making food TV more exciting and accessible than ever. Whether they’re competing in high-stakes cooking battles, hosting shows, or launching restaurant empires, these chefs are ones to watch.
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.
