Yes, Chef! is the latest culinary competition from NBC, showcasing a diverse group of 12 talented contestants, each vying for the coveted $250,000 prize. The series immerses viewers in high-stakes kitchen battles, where contestants must not only demonstrate their culinary prowess but also confront personal hurdles that may hinder their success. As with many cooking competitions, the show is expected to feature surprising twists and formidable challenges that will truly test the chefs’ resilience and determination.
According to NBC, the series is hosted by renowned Emmy Award winners Martha Stewart and José Andrés. These culinary icons will mentor participants through a series of demanding tasks, offering invaluable advice to enhance their skills. Ultimately, the competitor who excels in both kitchen challenges and personal growth will walk away with the grand cash prize. Let’s meet the 12 contestants eager to prove their worth and earn their place at the top.
Christopher Morales
An Executive Chef
Christopher Morales holds the title of Executive Chef at Gregory’s Steakhouse in Cocoa Beach, Florida. While he may not have a formal culinary education, he boasts extensive experience in high-end kitchens across the United States. His culinary specialties encompass fish, steaks, and handmade pasta. Christopher’s former Sous Chef, Zach, nominated him for Yes, Chef!, with hopes that the show will help him evolve into a stronger leader. Although Christopher’s managerial approach may be confrontational, it’s likely to keep the drama alive among contestants.
Emily Brubaker
A Resort Executive Chef
Emily Brubaker is the Executive Chef at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, situated in Carlsbad, California. She has a classical French training background focusing on American, Italian, and French fine dining. Nominated by her husband Jake to pursue further professional opportunities, Emily is known for her leadership skills. However, her impatience and inflexibility can pose challenges, impacting her self-esteem—something she hopes to rebuild throughout this intense competition.
Jake Lawler
An Executive Chef
Jake Lawler is the Executive Chef at Vintage Brewing Co. in Madison, Wisconsin, where he has honed his skills in Michelin-star kitchens, focusing on French and Italian cuisines. Nominated by his close friend Brandon, Jake aims to advance his career through this competition. Although he displays culinary brilliance, his temperament and defensiveness are areas of concern. Viewers can expect some heated moments between Jake and fellow contestants as tensions rise, but Vintage Brewing Co. has expressed great enthusiasm for his participation, even sharing on Instagram (@vintagebrewingco).
Julia Chebotar
A Private Chef
Julia Chebotar, a Private Chef based in New York, specializes in organic and nutritious cuisine. With a winning track record in competitions like Chopped (2019) and Kitchen Crash (2021), she thrives under pressure. Despite her successes, Julia often encounters hurdles when collaborating with teammates. Her nomination by her friend Lauren serves as a call to action to develop these collaboration skills—crucial for achieving victory in this competition.
Katsuji Tanabe
A Seasoned Restaurateur
With ownership of over 13 restaurants nationwide, Katsuji Tanabe is a distinguished restaurateur and familiar face on television, having participated in shows like Top Chef and Chopped. His competitive demeanor and penchant for challenging others in the kitchen have earned him a reputation. Nominated by his business partner Esther, Katsuji hopes the show will encourage personal and professional growth, helping him adapt his approach toward teamwork and cooperation.
Lee Frank
An Executive Chef
Lee Frank is the Executive Chef at Otis in Exeter, New Hampshire, known for his expertise in American “farm-to-table”cuisine. A nominee for the prestigious James Beard Award, Lee has also appeared on shows like Chopped, where he famously defeated Bobby Flay in the episode titled “A Little Bit Country.”Despite a successful career, he faces internal conflict stemming from past feelings of being overlooked. His Sous Chef, Jonathan, nominated him in hopes of helping him move on from these grudges and realize his vision of launching his own restaurant group.
Michelle Francis
A Sous Chef
With a wealth of experience totaling over 27 years, Michelle Francis serves as the Sous Chef at Jar in Los Angeles. Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, she has held various positions in fine dining establishments. However, her perfectionist tendencies have hindered effective collaboration. Her daughter Sophie nominated her, hoping that the show will enable Michelle to regain respect from her peers and adjust her interactions, ultimately leading her to pursue a career as a traveling chef.
Peter Richardson
A Private Chef
At just 23 years of age, Peter Richardson is a Private Chef in Long Island, New York, specializing in kosher cuisine. Often perceived as the youngest in professional kitchens, he has faced challenges related to respect from peers, which has impacted his temper. His boss, Dov, nominated him out of concern for his attitude while also recognizing his talent. The teaser trailer showcases Peter’s struggles, highlighting his raw emotion as he yells, “Is anybody listening? Hello!”This foreshadows the intensity he may bring to the competition.
Petrina Peart
An Executive Chef
Petrina Peart is the Executive Chef at the Wyoming Governor’s Mansion. She has garnered attention in various publications, such as Cheyenne Living and Cowboy State Daily, particularly following her appearance on Beat Bobby Flay. Acknowledging her struggle with perfectionism, her brother and Sous Chef Hubert nominated her to help her learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and to boost her confidence in her abilities.
Ronny Miranda
The Conference Lead Chef
Based in Napa, California, Ronny Miranda serves as the Conference Lead Chef at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). His extensive culinary career spans a variety of kitchens in the Oakland Bay Area. Influenced by his Portuguese roots, he merges cultural traditions with modern Californian cuisine. Although Ronny excels in his craft, he harbors insecurities related to his identity as a chef, which has led to friction with colleagues. His boss, Courtney, nominated him with the aspiration that Yes, Chef! will encourage him to embrace his individuality and overcome obstacles.
Torrece “Chef T” Gregoire
Owner and Chef
Known as “Chef T,”Torrece Gregoire is the Owner and Chef at Union 41 in Bristol, Virginia. Her culinary journey includes appearances at various festivals and on two seasons of Hell’s Kitchen. However, her assertive and candid personality has led to her elimination from the show on two occasions. Nominated by line cook Alex, Chef T is determined to improve her communication skills, especially with the goal of achieving a James Beard Award in the future.
Zain Ismail
Executive Sous Chef
Zain Ismail serves as the Executive Sous Chef at Fork n’ Film in Los Angeles, offering immersive dining experiences inspired by her Mauritian heritage. Despite her fiery passion for cooking, she is aware that her communication can sometimes be too candid. Nominated by her executive chef Cole, Zain hopes to refine her interpersonal skills through Yes, Chef!, enhancing her potential for success should she desire to open her own restaurant.
Yes, Chef! is set to premiere on April 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, promising an exciting and transformative journey for each contestant.
Sources: Vintage Brewing Co/Instagram, Lee Frank/Instagram, NBC/Instagram, NBC, Food Network, Jar, Cowboy State Daily, Indie Chefs, Fork n’ Film