Chef Michael Symon
Michael Symon - Since being named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine in 1998, Michael and his restaurants have been awarded numerous honors: in 2000 Gourmet magazine chose Lola as one of “America’s Best Restaurants;” and it has been named Cleveland’s Best Restaurant on 18 occasions. In 2010, Michael was the first chef ever to host the annual Farm Aid benefit concert; Bon Appetit and Food & Wine magazines included B Spot on their list of “Top 10 Best Burger Joints;” B Spot has also won the People’s Choice Award at the SoBe Wine & Food Festival on five occasions. In 2009, Michael earned The James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes and the Detroit Free Press named Roast “Restaurant of the Year.” He also shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with viewers as an Iron Chef on the Food Network, Burgers, Brew & ‘Que and as ABC’s resident chef. He is also a former co-host of the Emmy-winning TV show, The Chew. Michael is the author of six award winning cookbooks, four of which have landed on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Chef Kevin Bludso
Kevin Bludso is a chef, television personality, author, James Beard Award Nominee, and two-time Steve Harvey Hoodie Award Winner.
In 2008, he opened Bludso’s BBQ, his small takeout BBQ stand in Compton, California. It has since grown into an international empire, with a flagship restaurant, Bludso’s Bar & Que, in Hollywood, a concession stand at the LAFC Soccer Stadium, a location in Proud Bird by LAX, and a sprawling restaurant and bar called San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ in the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
He is the judge on the hit Netflix BBQ competition show The American BBQ Showdown, and has multiple television appearances on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Bong Appetit, and as a recurring guest judge on Bar Rescue. He is a James Beard Award nominee, and his first cookbook, The Bludso’s Family Cookbook: BBQ Soul Food and Family, From Compton to Corsicana, has gained national recognition as one of 2022 best cookbooks from the New York Times and the Los Angeles times. Kevin will be participating in his 3rd Preserve the Pit mentorship program sponsored by Kingsford.
Chef Jet Tila
Jet Tila is a chef, culinary anthropologist, entrepreneur, and Food Network star. Jet has roots deeply embedded in the industry and ones that significantly establish him firmly in the artform he is most passionate about: storytelling through food. Born from the first Thai food family of Los Angeles, California, a family which established the first Thai markets and restaurants in the U.S.—Jet brings innovation and artistry into the traditional Thai food fold to create a signature style that is at heart, his own. As the inaugural Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine, a title and role entrusted to him by the Royal Thai Consul-General, Jet’s repertoire stretches far and wide. Along with a host of accolades and achievements, Jet’s television career is vast and includes being the new floor reporter on Iron Chef America, Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain, Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, and the Today Show. He is also the host of Ready Jet Cook on FoodNetwork.com. Jet is a Dream of Los Angeles Award recipient, a distinction given out annually by the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Chef Aaron May
Aaron May is the executive chef and culinary director at Bullseye Event Group, featured at the largest sporting and music events in the world. Additionally, Aaron oversees the food and kitchens at Over Easy.
Chef Aaron May
Chef Aaron May has a passion for food and irrepressible creativity. Currently Aaron is executive chef and culinary director at Bullseye Event Group where he cooks around the world at the largest sports and music events. Additionally, Aaron still oversees the food and kitchens at Over Easy. You can find Aaron as a Food Network regular, judging on Guys Grocery Games and cooking on Guy’s Ranch Kitchen. He and his restaurants have also appeared in Condé Nast traveler, The New York Times and USA Today as well as numerous other shows and magazines. Meanwhile, he never sits still or stops thinking about new dishes and concepts.
Chef Rocco DiSpirito
Rocco DiSpirito is a healthy lifestyle crusader, James Beard award-winning chef, and highly acclaimed author of thirteen books, including five New York Times bestsellers. He is recognized for his inspiring weight loss journey and has dedicated his life to proving that healthy and delicious are not mutually exclusive. He is hailed as an inspiring health expert and is often called upon to speak at events, such as the Partnership for a Healthier America summit in Washington, D.C. DiSpirito’s love of food began at a young age, learning from Mama who could make magnificent dishes using only a handful of real foods. His passion for cooking led him to study at the Culinary Institute of America and Boston University. By the time he turned 20 years old, he was working in the kitchens of legendary chefs around the globe. His 3-Star restaurant Union Pacific was a New York City culinary landmark for many years. DiSpirito has appeared on celebrity chef Guy Fieri's Guy's Grocery Games - Superstar Tournament Part 1, competing against other celebrity chefs for a $40,000 first prize donated to their chosen charity. DiSpirito made it to the finale and beat out the previous tournament winner Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli DiSpirito has appeared on Guy's Grocery Games and has also appeared on Tournament of Champions, both which are hosted by his friend Guy Fieri. He has also made appearances on Guy's Ranch Kitchen.
Chef Christina Fitzgerald
Born and raised in St. Louis, Christina discovered her passion for the culinary arts at an early age. She graduated from culinary school at the top of her class and proudly served as the captain of the culinary competition team (ACF, American Culinary Federation), winning many competitions along the way. Her success encouraged her to audition for Season 11 of Food Network Star, where she was honored to be cast. Post-show, Christina was introduced to the BBQ world and the rest is history! Christina joined forces with the St. Louis Sugarfire BBQ brand, and opened Hi-Pointe Drive-In in the winter of 2016. Since, Hi-Pointe has received national acclaim and was named Best Burger in Missouri by the Riverfront Times in 2018. When Christina is not traveling the world teaching and preaching American barbecue, serving as an Ambassador with Royal Oak Charcoal, being a mother, or winning barbecue competitions, she enjoys judging and hosting competitions. A fierce competitor with a wild sense of humor and big heart, Christina brings the sweet and the heat to whatever she is tackling next!
Chef Rick Browne
A renowned TV cooking show host, photojournalist, and author of 16 barbecue/ grilling cookbooks, Rick Browne was the creator, host, and executive producer of public television’s popular Barbecue America TV series, that was aired on more than 230 stations nationwide for seven seasons. He also conceived of and hosted Ready, Aim... Grill, a cooking class featuring wild game, on the Outdoor Channel for two seasons. Currently he is the Master Class instructor for cavetools.com and their Grill Master University website. Browne has appeared on Good Morning America, the TODAY show, Live with Regis & Kelly, and has been featured in People Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Consumer’s Digest, Saveur, and USA Today. His newest cookbook, 1,001 Best Grilling Recipes, was re-released in 2016, and his book A Century of Restaurants, where he profiled 100 of America’s oldest restaurants, is under consideration by a major cable network as an upcoming series.
Chef Erica Blaire Roby
ERICA BLAIRE ROBY IS FOOD NETWORK'S MASTER OF 'CUE CHAMPION, CERTIFIED WINE EXPERT, ATTORNEY, AWARD-WINNING COOKBOOK AUTHOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, WHO IS KNOWN FOR HER CULTURE-DRIVEN APPROACH TO BARBECUE.
ERICA IS ALSO THE CREATOR AND HOST OF HER DIGITAL SERIES, "THE PIT STOP WITH BLUE SMOKE BLAIRE," WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE PASSION, STRUGGLES, AND DREAMS OF PITMASTERS AROUND AMERICA.
FROM BARBECUE RESTAURANTS TO BARBECUE FOOD TRUCKS, ERICA SHARES THE UNIVERSAL MESSAGE OF "BARBECUE LOVE" FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS GREAT COUNTRY.
Chef Stan Hays
Stan Hays is the CEO and co-founder of Operation BBQ Relief. A seasoned and accomplished competitor on the barbecue circuit, Hays and fellow cofounder Will Cleaver launched Operation BBQ Relief when a tornado swept through Joplin, Missouri, in 2011. Hays’s passion for barbecue and assisting those in distress culminated in creating Operation BBQ Relief, which has served over 9 million meals in 30 states. In 2017, Hays was recognized as a “CNN Hero” for his work with Operation BBQ Relief. Hays has participated in more than 35 sanctioned barbecue contests, with two grand champion awards, four reserve champions, and several top 10 finishes. He was runner-up in the 2015 season of Chopped: Grill Masters on Food Network and in 2019 won Food Network Canada’s Firemasters. Hays is also a cookbook author. He co-authored a cookbook called Operation BBQ in 2019 and has a new cookbook he co-authored with Mike Golic, Sr called "Grilling with Golic and Hays" that will be released in mid May 2022.
Chef Damaris Phillips
Damaris Phillips is a celebrity chef and TV Personality known for her modern twists on Southern
and Classic Comfort Foods. After formal culinary training, Damaris continued her education in
restaurant kitchen from New York to Seattle, Kentucky to Louisiana working under acclaimed
chefs and restauranteurs to hone her skills.
In 2010 Damaris began teaching in the Culinary Arts department of Jefferson Community and
Technical College where she fell in love with teaching people to cook.
After winning Season 9 Food Network Star in 2013, Damaris continued to teach, but on a much
larger scale, hosting cooking shows on Food Network. Southern at Heart introduced viewers to!
her Kentucky roots. On The Bobby and Damaris Show with Bobby Flay, she brought southern!
recipes to Bobby’s Hampton’s home. The show was nominated for a James Beard award.
Damaris and Co-host Rutledge Wood introduced the country to some of the best dining!
locations in the South, on Southern and Hungry. Her newest show, Southern Girl Meets
Vegetarian Boy airs late spring 2022.
Damaris can also be seen on several other shows on the network, including Guy's Grocery
Games, Beat Bobby Flay, and Super Market Saver. She is a regular guest
on the Today Show, Good Morning America, The Kelley Clarkson Show, Rachel Ray Show, and
The Wendy Williams Show.
In 2019 she co-founded Bluegrass Supper Club in Louisville, Kentucky. A designer picnic
company celebrating Kentucky Farmers and Culture. Her first cookbook, Southern Girl Meets
Vegetarian Boy was released in October 2017. Her Second Cookbook, Gussied Up, is set to
release in 2023.
Chef Rasheed Philips
Making his international culinary debut on what The New York Times ranked as one of the top shows of 2020, Rasheed Philips was a breakout star on Netflix’s American Barbeque Showdown. Although a newcomer to the competition side of BBQ, his culinary mantra “The basics perfected: Time, Temperature, and Technique” thrust Rasheed into the spotlight where he quickly became a fan favorite. Unsurprisingly, he soon cultivated a loyal social media base where his candid approach, humility, and personal charisma reached a wider audience.
Chef Georgia Chasen
Georgia was discovered on Instagram in May of 2019 by a casting agent after posting a picture of a pig roast she threw for her family. Following a rigorous casting process, by September of 2020, Georgia was on an international streaming platform as a contestant in one of the top rated food shows of the year, “American Barbecue Showdown”. Georgia has a passion for adventure cooking, during which she brings spectacle, sport, comfort, and beauty to all whom she feeds.
Chef David Rose
You may have seen him in action on one of his many daytime TV cooking segments, competing on Food Network Star, or at a prestigious national food and wine event across the country. But one thing is for certain, whenever Chef David Rose is around . . . you’ll find plenty of great food and laughter! Born in New Jersey to two chef parents, David always had an adventurous, curious and diverse palate. If it smelled good and looked good, chances are it would get eaten.
Chef D’Andra Simmons
D’Andra Simmons is a pioneering businesswoman and skin care expert who’s spent more than 25 years in the nutritional and beauty industry. She’s the founder/CEO of the skin care line Hard Night Good Morning and CEO/owner of Ultimate Living International Inc. She’s also the star of the hit Bravo series, The Real Housewives of Dallas and the Co-Host of the “I Don’t Give a Rip” podcast on YEA Networks.
D’Andra’s passion has led to years of national exposure and recognition. She’s an official cast member of The Real Housewives of Dallas on BRAVO. In 2012, she was named the 43-year-old winner of People magazine’s “Real Beauty at Every Age” search and featured again in its “Most Beautiful” issue in 2018. She’s appeared on numerous television programs, including Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends on the Travel Channel and several appearances on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on BRAVO. National press attention includes features in Forbes, W Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, EXTRA, People, DuJour, Us Weekly, In Touch, Vanity Fair, Bella Magazine, Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Life & Style, and More Magazine in Great Britain. D’Andra is a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA.
Chef Chanda Clark
Chef Clark, a southern California native began cooking at the age of 12. Clark’s parents and grandparents are natives from New Olean’s and the South. It was her grandmother’s Creole food cooking that initiated her enthusiasm. “When I was in kindergarten, I remember going to my granny’s business after school; where I sat and watched her prepare lunch and dinner for her customer’s.” Later in life Chef Clark, meshed her Grandmother’s southern “old” school style with my own and developed her own signature brand.
Chef Antonia Lofaso
Chef Antonia Lofaso is the Executive Chef and Owner of three acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants - Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City, California), Scopa Italian Roots (Venice, California), and DAMA (Downtown Los Angeles, California). Though diverse in cuisine and style, each of her restaurants combine deep-rooted, personal culinary traditions with the influence of her globetrotting adventures and formal French training. Antonia is widely recognized for her role as host of Food Network's The Julia Child Challenge as well as recurring roles on Guys Grocery Games, Tournament of Champions, and Supermarket Stakeout, to name just a few, as well as Bravo’s Top Chef and CNBC’s Restaurant Startup. In addition to her thriving restaurant businesses and television career, Antonia is also an entrepreneur whose line, Chefletics, has redefined the traditional fit and function of kitchen apparel.
Chef Fred Hopson
Coming Soon
D’Andra Simmons
D’Andra Simmons is a pioneering businesswoman and skin care expert who’s spent more than 25 years in the nutritional and beauty industry. She’s the founder/CEO of the skin care line Hard Night Good Morning and CEO/owner of Ultimate Living International Inc. She’s also the star of the hit Bravo series, The Real Housewives of Dallas and the Co-Host of the I Don’t Give a Rip podcast on YEA Networks. D’Andra’s passion has led to years of national exposure and recognition. She’s an official cast member of The Real Housewives of Dallas on BRAVO. In 2012, she was named the 43-year-old winner of People magazine’s “Real Beauty at Every Age” search and featured again in its “Most Beautiful” issue in 2018. She’s appeared on numerous television programs, including Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends on the Travel Channel and several appearances on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on BRAVO. National press attention includes features in Forbes, W Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, EXTRA, People, DuJour, Us Weekly, In Touch, Vanity Fair, Bella Magazine, Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Life & Style, and More Magazine in Great Britain. D’Andra is a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA.
Chef Damaris Phillips
Damaris Phillips is a celebrity chef and Food Network host known for her modern twists on Southern and Classic Comfort Foods. After formal culinary training, Damaris continued her education in restaurant kitchen from New York to Seattle, Kentucky to Louisiana working under acclaimed chefs and restauranteurs to hone her skills.
After winning Season 9 Food Network Star in 2013, Damaris continued to teach, but on a much larger scale, hosting cooking shows on Food Network. Southern at Heart introduced viewers to her Kentucky roots. On The Bobby and Damaris Show with Bobby Flay, she brought southern recipes to Bobby’s Hampton’s home. The show was nominated for a James Beard award. Damaris and Co-host Rutledge Wood introduced the country to some of the best dining locations in the South, on Southern and Hungry. Her newest show Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy introduced audiences to Southern Vegetarian meals.
Damaris is the host of Outrageous Pumpkins and can be seen on several other shows on The Food Network, including Guy's Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Summer Baking Championship and Big Bad Budget Battle. She is a regular guest on The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Good Morning America.
In 2019 she co-founded Bluegrass Supper Club, a designer picnic company that celebrates Kentucky farmers, harvests and culture. Her first cookbook, Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy was released in October 2017. Her Second Cookbook, Gussied Up is set to release winter, 2024
Chef Deanna Colón
Deanna Colón was born & raised in Boston in an Italian restaurant owned by her Parents. Her earliest memories are in the kitchen learning traditional Italian recipes & techniques.
She auditioned for Master Chef Season 10 with a homemade Lobster & Crab Ravioli in a Cream sauce and won a spot in the Top 20.
Deanna has appeared as a Judge & Chef on Hot Mess Express on SLING and creates content for video network Tastemade. She teaches cooking classes privately and virtually through TakeLessons and Eatwith, was cast as a Chef in an online ad for Facebook/Oculus, as well as appearing in an ad for Imperfect Foods.
Her partnerships include Sphericator by Cedar Lane, Imperfect Foods, OneHope Wine, Girls Life Magazine, Keto Krate, Boos Blocks and ChefUniforms. Deanna lives in Las Vegas with her Husband and 6 dogs.
Rasheed Philips
Making his international culinary debut on what The New York Times ranked as one of the top shows of 2020, Rasheed Philips was a breakout star on Netflix’s American Barbeque Showdown. Although a newcomer to the competition side of BBQ, his culinary mantra “The basics perfected: Time, Temperature, and Technique” thrust Rasheed into the spotlight where he quickly became a fan favorite. Unsurprisingly, he soon cultivated a loyal social media base where his candid approach, humility, and personal charisma reached a wider audience.
