The Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing has brought together an incredible lineup of culinary talent, from award-winning chefs to rising stars. Each chef brings a unique perspective, flavor, and audience connection—making them ideal partners for branded campaigns, trade show activations, culinary events, and experiential marketing.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the chefs featured in Season Two of this groundbreaking series, along with insight into how they can amplify your brand’s presence and authenticity.
Hosts and Returning Stars
Michael Symon
An acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Michael Symon is beloved for his approachable cooking style and relatable personality. His extensive television and media experience brings trust and authority to any brand or event.
Esther Choi
Chef-owner of mŏkbar and Ms. Yoo in New York City, Esther Choi is recognized for redefining Korean cuisine with a contemporary flair. Her cultural authenticity and engaging media presence make her a standout partner for modern food brands.
Marcel Vigneron
Winner of the previous season, Marcel is known for his avant-garde culinary style and modernist cuisine. His innovative techniques and forward-thinking approach can energize trend-driven food campaigns and elevate brand storytelling.
Featured Contestants and Their Branding Potential
Elia Aboumrad
A globally respected chef with a competitive edge, Elia’s international background offers cross-cultural appeal for global campaigns or internationally themed food events.
Brittanny Anderson
Celebrated for her bold culinary creativity, Brittanny is ideal for food and beverage brands looking to spotlight cutting-edge trends and innovation.
Gabe Bertaccini
Known for his mastery of Italian cuisine and warm on-screen presence, Gabe adds authenticity to brands with a focus on tradition, hospitality, and flavorful storytelling.
Samantha Cruz
With a fresh and fearless culinary perspective, Samantha appeals to younger audiences and brands aiming to tap into contemporary food culture.
Leslie Daniel
A master of Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, Leslie embodies a commitment to both heritage and sustainability—perfect for farm-to-table or regional food brands.
Richie Farina
Recognized for his bold, boundary-pushing approach, Richie’s culinary adventurousness aligns well with experiential marketing campaigns and dynamic food and beverage activations.
Ilan Hall
As a Top Chef winner and inventive restaurateur, Ilan’s name carries weight. His unconventional culinary style complements high-end, innovative brand initiatives.
Stephanie Izard
A powerhouse chef and restaurateur, Stephanie brings prestige to premium food brands and upscale culinary events. Her fanbase and accolades make her an excellent ambassador.
Kevin Lee
Kevin’s flair for vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavors makes him a valuable partner for multicultural brands or food companies targeting energetic, diverse audiences.
Arturo Leighton
Refined and skilled, Arturo’s culinary finesse is well suited for elegant brand campaigns and luxury product showcases.
Laurence Louie
Blending creativity with artistic food presentation, Laurence is ideal for visual-first brands and companies with a strong digital content strategy.
Star Maye
Deeply connected to soulful, comfort-driven cuisine, Star’s authenticity is a powerful tool for storytelling-based brand marketing and community-focused campaigns.
Marc Murphy
A respected industry leader, Marc brings integrity, experience, and wide appeal to any brand activation or public-facing campaign.
Nini Nguyen
Celebrated for her modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, Nini connects with audiences seeking cultural flavor with a contemporary twist.
Kathleen O’Brien
With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Kathleen aligns with eco-conscious brands and food organizations committed to green practices.
Damaris Phillips
Beloved for her charm and home-style Southern dishes, Damaris resonates with family-friendly brands and lifestyle campaigns that focus on comfort and approachability.
Michele Ragussis
An experienced chef with a passion for New England cuisine, Michele is a solid fit for regional brands or those seeking a classic culinary voice.
Zurisadai “Zuri” Resendiz
Zuri fuses Latin American roots with innovative flair. Her cooking style and cultural authenticity make her a compelling choice for brands spotlighting heritage and modernity.
Jonathan Sawyer
With an inventive and bold culinary vision, Jonathan is ideal for food companies aiming to push the envelope and redefine what’s possible in cuisine.
Ashleigh Shanti
A passionate advocate for cultural and African diasporic cuisine, Ashleigh is a natural choice for brands focused on inclusivity, authenticity, and culinary history.
Lawrence “LT” Smith
Known for his heartfelt, high-energy cooking style, LT is a competitive force and a powerful partner for dynamic, engaging brand experiences.
Bryan Voltaggio
Highly respected and refined, Bryan brings a level of culinary artistry and prestige that appeals to luxury food brands and elite event organizers.
Dara Yu
As a young culinary prodigy, Dara’s rapidly growing influence is perfect for brands looking to connect with Gen Z audiences or promote fresh, youthful perspectives in food.
Why Brands Should Partner with Celebrity Chefs
Credibility and Trust
Well-known chefs bring immediate authority and trust to any campaign. Their endorsements and presence help brands stand out in competitive markets.
Social Media Engagement
Chefs with strong followings can amplify brand messaging across social platforms with behind-the-scenes content, cooking demos, product mentions, and more.
Creative Collaboration
From recipe development to branded content creation, celebrity chefs can help create memorable experiences and unique content tailored to your audience.
Authenticity and Cultural Relevance
Chefs rooted in specific culinary traditions lend genuine authenticity to brands promoting regional or cultural cuisines.
Work With Celebrity Chef Network
Celebrity Chef Network is the world’s leading agency for booking celebrity chefs. With access to thousands of culinary professionals, we streamline the process of vetting, negotiating, and activating chefs for trade shows, brand campaigns, corporate events, PR initiatives, and more.
Whether you’re launching a new product, driving traffic to your booth at a trade show, or looking to create a buzzworthy branded experience, the right chef can make all the difference.
If you or your brand and/or organization would like to hire any of these incredible celebrity chefs contact us at (877) 607-0206 or email to speak with a celebrity chef agent to discuss top celebrity chefs available for your organization and event.
