The highly-anticipated season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta debuted on March 9, 2025, featuring the dynamic Kelli Ferrell, affectionately known as the Queen of Waffles. Joining Kelli in this season are newcomers Brit Eady and Angela Oakley, adding fresh perspectives to the beloved reality series.
Kelli Ferrell, born on March 13, 1994, is not only a restaurateur but also a celebrated chef and author of a popular cookbook. While she is currently navigating a challenging divorce from her husband, Chuvalo Mark Ferrell, their relationship has produced three daughters—Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi—alongside Kelli’s eldest child, Chloe, from a prior relationship.
The Rise of Kelli Ferrell: Culinary Success and Community Involvement
Initially aspiring to dive into fashion merchandising and design upon her move to Atlanta, Kelli Ferrell pivoted her career trajectory significantly. In 2016, she opened Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in McDonough, Georgia, later expanding her culinary brand with a second location in Sandy Springs. Her journey into the culinary world gained further traction with the publication of her cookbook, Kooking with Kelli: Kollection of Family Recipes from Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, which hit shelves in 2019.
Beyond her restaurant ventures, Kelli is passionately involved in charitable work, collaborating with organizations such as Meals on Wheels Atlanta and the OI Foundation. She has also made numerous appearances on various shows to share insights about her culinary expertise and personal experiences in the food industry.
A strong presence on social media, Kelli has amassed a following of over 204,000 on Instagram. Follow her journey on @whoiskelli, where she shares updates about both her professional endeavors and personal life.
Insights into Kelli Ferrell’s Ongoing Divorce Proceedings
Recent reports from InTouch Weekly reveal that Kelli has accused her estranged husband, Mark, of failing to adhere to court-mandated child support and childcare payment obligations. Following these claims, Kelli sought legal action to compel Mark’s compliance, including the possibility of jail time for non-payment.
In a candid April 2, 2025 interview with ESSENCE, Kelli disclosed troubling details regarding her ex-husband’s financial management, revealing he had emptied their restaurant’s business accounts. “I was not smart. I trusted him [Mark] with everything,” Kelli reflected, illustrating the vulnerabilities she faced in their financial partnership.
“I was not smart. I trusted him [Mark] with everything,” stated Kelli, highlighting the risks of financial trust in marriage.
According to InTouch Weekly, a temporary parenting plan was established in October 2023, granting Kelli primary custody of their children while ensuring joint legal custody. In this agreement, Mark was ordered to provide $626 per month for child support, along with $1,500 for childcare expenses. However, continuing failure to comply has prompted legal ramifications, including contempt of court charges leading to Mark’s brief incarceration in August 2024.
The situation escalated when Mark was jailed for contempt of court, although he was subsequently released after posting bond. His representation has indicated a desire to resolve the situation amicably, focusing on family and professional responsibilities.
During the ESSENCE interview, Kelli elaborated on the intertwined financial dynamics that left her vulnerable. “He [Mark] managed the financial aspects while I was the public face of our business,” she explained, revealing that she had unknowingly relinquished control over their finances, leading to alleged mismanagement of funds.
“He would handle those things. I didn’t have to pay a bill. Even though I was still putting the money in the pot, I wasn’t in control of those things,” Kelli shared.
Ultimately, Kelli expressed her hope that sharing her experiences might help others avoid similar financial pitfalls in their relationships. Despite her legal victories, she continues to navigate significant challenges and aims to spread awareness about financial literacy within marriage.
Tune in to see Kelli Ferrell’s compelling journey and how her personal life intertwines with her professional endeavors in season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo.