2026 Talent

Chef Brian Duffy

Chef, Culinary and Hospitality Consultant, TV Personality

Concetta Maceo-Sims

Owner of Maceo Spice & Import Co., Host of CW39 Htown Eats: Cooking with Concetta

Chef Machete

Chef/Owner of Gordo Niños, Next Level Chef Season 5 Contestant

Chef David Cordúa

Chef/Owner of The Lymbar

Paul Miller

Founder of Gr8 Plate Hospitality – Restaurant Owner of The Union Kitchen, Jax Grill, Vine Memorial, and Passerella in Houston.

Level 2 Sommelier

Executive Chef Sal Vera

Gr8 Plate Hospitality Executive Chef. 26+ years in the Culinary Industry

Executive Chef Chris Lopez

BLVD. Seafood, 27+ Years in the Culinary Industry

Chef WillIam Pickavance

Yaga’s Cafe, 27+ Years in the Culinary Industry

Executive chef bobby lee ross

Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks – Moody Gardens

Andres CastAneda

Moody Gardens

Additional participants