Since Fox Television brought Hell’s Kitchen to our screens in 2005, giving Americans a taste of the excellence of international chef, Gordon Ramsay, it has been one of the most popular cooking shows on television, with millions tuning in to watch every week. In the many years that Hell’s Kitchen has been on television, it has aired more than 18 seasons, producing 18 winners.
We took a look at the winners of this highly-rated cooking show, observing just how the show’s exposure has benefitted their career as chefs, as well as where they are now. Check it out below.
Where Are Hell’s Kitchen Winners Now?
Michael Wray
The first season of this epic cooking show was won by Michael Wray, a professional chef who hails from Fort Collins, Colorado. Since he won the show, things haven’t particularly been great for Michael Wray. As the winner, he was offered a chance to work with Gordon Ramsay in London, but he instead, chose to work as head chef at the Standard Hotel in Los Angeles, taking the $250,000 cash prize.
After his time at Standard Hotel came to an end, he moved to Arizona where he ran his restaurant, HK One and a knife company while teaching culinary classes. However, things took a dark turn when he lost his newborn daughter, his marriage ended and lost his home.
Latest news from Michael Wray is that he is running a fundraiser to raise funds for a food truck.
Heather West
Followers of Hell’s Kitchen know that Gordon Ramsay specifies the reason why each winner won and in the case of Heather West, it was her determination. That determination has gotten her a successful life, with a head chef position at Schafer’s in Port Jefferson. Before getting the position at Schafer’s, she worked for Red Rock Casino, Jellyfish Restaurant and Broadway Grill. She is currently married with a son.
Rock Harper
Winner number three from Hell’s Kitchen, Rock Harper has taken his career as a chef a little further by writing a book, 44 Things Parents Should Know About Healthy Cooking For Kids. As a chef, he worked at Terra Verde restaurant for a year before he joined Ben’s Next Door in Washington DC as an executive chef. He is also a lecturer who taught a course at the prestigious Stanford University.
Christina Machamer
At the age of 25, Christina Machamer was the youngest winner of Hell’s Kitchen when she won in 2008. Since she was declared the winner for her abundance of potential, she has completed her education (she was a student when she won), she has worked at London in West Hollywood, and in another restaurant before enrolling and completing her training as a sommelier at the Culinary Institute in Greystone. She now works as the manager of Caldwell Vineyard in Napa Valley.
Danny Veltri
One of the benefits of surviving Gordon Ramsay screaming at you is you are now equipped to handle whatever life throws at you, and even make a success of it. Danny Veltri embodies this truth with his current status as the owner of a catering company, Back From Hell Catering and a chef at Gnarly Surf Bar & Grill. Before all of that, he worked as a Sous Chef for the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City.
It hasn’t been all good news for Danny though. He was once arrested for a DUI in 2012.
Dave Levey
As the winner of the sixth season of Hell’s Kitchen, Dave Levey got the prize of working as a line cook at the Araxi Restaurant and Bar in Whistler, British Columbia, holding the position for several months until the end of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, when he moved on to other restaurants.
In 2014, Dave Levey was arrested as part of a drugs bust in 2014 and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
Holli Ugalde
When she won Hell’s Kitchen for her confidence, many expected big things for Holli Ugalde, and that has happened, just not in the way many were expecting. After visa issues robbed her of her prize as a chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in London, she took her prize money and moved on to working as an executive chef at Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Holli Ugalde now works as her own boss, as the manager of the SENS Wellness Lifestyle program where she teaches and promotes using your cultivated ingredients to make healthy meals.
Nona Sivley
Before she joined Hell’s Kitchen, she was a sous chef working in Atlanta, Georgia. The improvement she recorded on the show, that led to her victory has earned her a couple of career milestones. For the victory, she won a position as the head chef of LA Market at the JW Marriott Hotel, getting her menu from the show added to the restaurant’s menu.
She was with the hotel for three years before she partnered with her mentor, Kerry Simon to open the restaurant, Pork & Beans. Aside from the restaurant, she also has a catering business, Sizzling Peach. Not bad for the Atlanta native.
Paul Niedermann
18 people contested in the ninth season and Paul Niedermann emerged winner, based on his enthusiasm according to the super chef, Gordon Ramsay. As the winner, he got to work at the BLT Steak restaurant in New York City, spending a few months there before he returned to his home state, Florida, working at Hudson at Waterway East and then later at SALT7 in Delray Beach.
Christina Wilson
At 32, Christina Wilson was one of the older people to win Hell’s Kitchen, and she made enough impression on Gordon Ramsay that she has worked at two restaurants owned by the chef since the show came to an end. First, she worked as the head chef of Gordon Ramsay Steak in Paris, Las Vegas and then later as executive chef at Gordon Ramsay BurGR in Planet Hollywood Casino.
She manages both restaurants for the British chef and also works on Hell’s Kitchen as a sous chef, as well as other Gordon Ramsay shows like Hotel Hell and 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
Ja’Nel Witt
Hell’s Kitchen winner number 11 was Ja’Nel Witt, and she secured victory, beating out Mary Poehnelt for the top spot for her composure, according to Gordon Ramsay. An executive chef before she contested on the show, her prize for winning was a position at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but failing a drug test ruled her out of the position.
In turn, she received a $250,000 cash prize, returned to Texas and now works at Sammy’s Steakhouse in Richmond.
Scott Commings
So far, Scott Commings, at the age of 36, is the oldest person to win Hell’s Kitchen. He was the winner of the 12th season of the show, achieving victory for his artistry.
His prize was a position as head chef at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Since he took up the position, nothing has been heard of him and it is believed that he still maintains his position at the restaurant.
La Tasha McCutchen
Her will and determination made her the winner of the 13th season of the cooking show and it appears it has kept her thriving as a chef. As the winner of the show, she took up a head chef position at the Atlantic City Caesar’s location of Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill.
She spent a year working in the position before her drive and cooking ability got her an exclusive position as a private chef.
Meghan Gill
Even though she was already an executive chef working in Roanoke, Virginia, Meghan Gill’s passion for improvement and exposure led her to contest on the show and it also made her victorious, earning her a position as the head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill in Caesar’s Atlantic City.
As one of the more recent winners of Hell’s Kitchen, no change has been recorded in her career so far, and it is believed she is still a staff of the Atlantic City restaurant.
Ariel Malone
At the age of 26, this Hackensack, New Jersey resident became the fifteenth person to win Hell’s Kitchen and as her prize, she became the head chef at BLT steak in Bally’s Casino in Las Vegas.
She held the position for about a year before leaving in January 2017 to pursue other career paths. As of now, nothing is known about her career status.
Kimberly-Ann Ryan
happy new year, everyone. may 2020 bring us all we need. ?? pic.twitter.com/z0VlJullAH
(Video) Hell’s Kitchen: WHERE Are They NOW?— Kim Ryan (@kimmi_churri) January 1, 2020
Kimberly-Ann Ryan won a position as the head chef of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian, Las Vegas after she won the 16th season of Hell’s Kitchen. So far, all evidence suggests she is still maintaining her position at the Las Vegas restaurant.
Before contesting on the show, she was an event chef working in Traverse City, Michigan.
Michelle Tribble
Michelle Tribble was a divisive figure among fans of the show when she contested in the 17th season of Hell’s Kitchen. And even though she went on to win the season, securing victory for her talent, she continues to remain a controversial winner about Kitchen fans.
Her victory earned her a position as executive chef at Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. In addition to her position with the restaurant, she also got $250,000.
As far as we know, she still works at the restaurant, but do not expect to find a lot of Hell’s Kitchen fans visiting.
Ariel Contreras-Fox
Persistence is an important trait for success, just ask Ariel Contreras-Fox who had competed on the sixth season of Hell’s Kitchen but finished third. She returned to the show in the 18th season, and displaying the growth and skills she had acquired over the years, she emerged the winner.
As the winner, she joined Michelle Tribble as a chef at Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
FAQs
All The ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Winners – Where Are They Now? ›
Holli Ugalde
She now has a job as the signature chef at B Ocean restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chef Ramsay on Holli's victory: “Holli won because she has grown as a chef more than any other chef in 'Hell's Kitchen.
Holli Ugalde
She now has a job as the signature chef at B Ocean restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chef Ramsay on Holli's victory: “Holli won because she has grown as a chef more than any other chef in 'Hell's Kitchen.
Once declared a winner, Hell's Kitchen winners can work as head chefs or executive chefs at a restaurant chosen by Gordon Ramsey and get a cash prize of $250,000. Since the show started in 2005, only four winners still work for Gordon Ramsey, and the rest have started hotels, eateries, and cooking businesses.
Do any of the Hell's Kitchen winners still work for Ramsay? ›Since winning season 10, Wilson has been promoted several times and is now the Vice President of Culinary for Gordon Ramsay North America (GRNA) overseeing chef's in 13 U.S. restaurants.
Is Michelle Tribble still head chef? ›Currently working on the corporate culinary team for Gordon Ramsay North America as the Executive Chef of Culinary Development.
Why did Gordon Ramsay stop Hell's kitchen? ›After attempting to save a few too many unsalvageable restaurants, the famous curse word-loving chef decided to kill that series a few years ago. “I got fed up with Kitchen Nightmares because I was getting s--t,” the chef recently remarked. “So I woke up one morning and I thought 'F--k it, I'm done.
Who is the youngest person to win Hell's kitchen? ›Danny Veltri remains the youngest-ever champ; he was just 23 when he won season 5 in 2009.
Does Christina still work for Gordon Ramsay? ›...
| Christina Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Education | Temple University |
| Culinary career | |
| Cooking style | American |
| Current restaurant(s) Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group | |
Shockingly, Ariel turned down the coveted position, much to the dismay of fans. Ariel, Hell's Kitchen season 18 winner, is only the second winner of the series to turn down the final prize, the first being season 1 winner, Michael Wray. Instead of working in Las Vegas, Ariel decided to work closer to home.
Do you pay to eat at Hell's Kitchen? ›How much will it cost me to eat at Hell's Kitchen? It's free to eat there, though you have to apply/call/email for tickets. It helps if you know someone directly associated with FOX, though you may have to wait a couple of seasons.
How much of Hell's Kitchen is scripted? ›
In regards to the show's actual content, most of it is real. None of the contestants are actors, nor are their interactions scripted — instead, as Ramsay has stated to Emmy Magazine, the show is cast to instigate actual conflict.
Where do Hell's Kitchen contestants go after they are eliminated? ›Each contestant eliminated from "Hell's Kitchen" is immediately taken for a psychiatric evaluation to make sure contestants don't want to kill themselves - or someone else.
Who is the chef that runs Hell's Kitchen? ›The world's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen restaurant is turning up the heat at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Drawing inspiration from the global hit reality television show starring world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay, guests will feel like they are on the studio set.
Is Ariel still Executive Chef at Hell's Kitchen Las Vegas? ›After Hell's Kitchen, Ariel did not take up the Executive chef position at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada and instead became Executive Chef of Dos Caminos in NYC. In May 2020 she became Vice President of Culinary at Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, and Dos Caminos.
Is Kori still working at Lake Tahoe? ›Season 19: Kori Sutton
This Los Angeles native was 37 when she won season 19 on April 22, 2021. She is working as head chef at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant in Lake Tahoe.
Some thought he simply got tired of sweating in the heat of Hell's Kitchen. In a 2013 interview, as per Matt & Jess, Jean-Philippe said of the show, "I always feel sorry for the chefs with genuine talent who have a mental meltdown in the middle of the show, not realizing that they have what it takes to win.
Was Hell's Kitchen canceled? ›...
Hell's Kitchen (American TV series)
| Hell's Kitchen | |
|---|---|
| No. of seasons | 21 |
| No. of episodes | 330 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
Gordon Ramsay's yearly income
Screenrant reports that Ramsay earns $200,000 for every episode of "Hell's Kitchen" (which is on its 20th season!), while his newer National Geographic show "Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" nets him $330,000 per episode.
...
Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.
| Hell's Kitchen | |
|---|---|
| • Total | 0.841 sq mi (2.18 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 49,758 |
| • Density | 59,000/sq mi (23,000/km2) |
Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen is a multi-national fine dining restaurant chain, owned by British chef Gordon Ramsay, and based on the reality TV show Hell's Kitchen. As of early 2023 the chain consists of five USA locations and one in Dubai.
How many girls have won Hells Kitchen? ›
And yet on Ramsay's TV competitions, despite the fact that the judges are almost always men, women thrive and, more often than not, win. Of 17 seasons of Hell's Kitchen, 11 of the winners are women.
What is Christina's salary from Hell's Kitchen? ›She was crowned the winner of Hell's Kitchen and won the Head Chef's position of Gordon Ramsay Steak at Las Vegas, along with a salary of $250,000.
Why did Gordon Ramsay lose his Michelin stars? ›Michael Ellis, the director of Michelin's Guide, explained the reason behind chef Ramsay's loss of his Michelin Stars is inconsistency. What is this? “The inspectors were disappointed with the consistency of the food,” he said.
Who is chef Christina dating? ›As one of the most famous chefs in the world, Bobby Flay's career keeps him busy, but he still makes time for his girlfriend Christina Pérez. The Food Network star met Pérez through mutual friends and the couple went public with their relationship in November 2021 after quietly dating for about a year.
Why did Garrett from Hell's Kitchen go to jail? ›After Hell's Kitchen, Garrett is said to have returned to cooking, produces short films and was arrested in 2012 and 13 and twice in 2016 for driving without a licence.
How did Hell's Kitchen get destroyed? ›Hell's Kitchen, as those who were paying attention during The Avengers will remember, was destroyed when Thor, Iron Man and the rest of the team had to battle off aliens invading through a wormhole created by Thor's evil adopted brother, Loki.
Why did Hell's Kitchen skip a week? ›Hell's Kitchen season 21 is set to return with its sixth episode this week, and fans couldn't be more thrilled. The upcoming episode was initially supposed to air on November 3 but had to be postponed as FOX network rearranged show schedules to air World Series 2022.
What is the average cost of a meal at Hell's Kitchen? ›How much does it cost to dine at Hell's Kitchen in Southern California? Your dining experience will start at the cost between $150 - $200 per person depending on the menu and meal.
Do you have to dress nice to eat at Hells Kitchen? ›The dress code at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen is business casual. This is a contemporary bar and restaurant, so you want to look nice. Skip the jeans and athletic wear, and definitely don't wear your flip-flops. When dressing for dinner, it's also wise to consider what you'll be doing after your meal.
What does Hell's Kitchen do with wasted food? ›Leftover Meat Gets Tossed. Produce from some pantry sets and any ingredients that are unused in the shots regularly get donated to local charities and food banks. The extra food also goes toward feeding the crew.
Are Hell's Kitchen diners actors? ›
The diners were, in fact, real people who were recruited to test out the food and service in the “restaurant.” (The building, by the way, is a former TV studio converted into a restaurant and dorm area for the production.)
Is Hell's Kitchen filmed every day? ›They film with an odd schedule – only for 8 weeks at a time, creating 2 seasons at once, rotating the chefs halfway through (respectively) Predetermined casting calls are held and extras are brought in. Gordon and his team/crew are present for the entire time during filming(s) hour(s)
How are Hell's Kitchen contestants chosen? ›Contestants will have to prove they have the endurance and skill to compete and win, while Chef Ramsay pushes them to their absolute limits. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, passionate, skilled at their craft and ready to become the next winner of HELL'S KITCHEN.
What do Hell's Kitchen contestants do all day? ›"[Contestants] are always learning something, prepping something, or meeting with the sous chefs, who are with them a lot." Sous chefs Gloria Felix and Scott Liebfried act as the school counselors, guiding the contestants, rooting for them, and making them the best they can be. What if you can't stand the heat?
What happens to diners when a team gets kicked out of Hell's Kitchen? ›Each contestant eliminated from "Hell's Kitchen" is immediately taken for a psychiatric evaluation to make sure contestants don't want to kill themselves - or someone else. The diners have to sign that they are not guaranteed a meal but are guaranteed all the free beer and wine and bread they want.
Do returning chefs on Hell's Kitchen get paid? ›Are the contestants on Hell's Kitchen paid? Yes, Hell's Kitchen contestants are paid a weekly stipend for each week they remain on the show.
How much does a waiter at Hell's Kitchen make? ›| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cook salaries - 1 salaries reported | $17/hr |
| Server/Bartender salaries - 1 salaries reported | $18/hr |
| Lead Expo salaries - 1 salaries reported | $18/hr |
| Food Server salaries - 1 salaries reported | $17/hr |
How many Hell's Kitchen winners still work for Ramsey? Only four winners still work for Ramsey, including Christina Wilson, Michelle Tribble, Kori Sutton, and Trenton Garvey.
Have any Hell's Kitchen winners been successful? ›Dave Levey: Hell's Kitchen season 6 winner
After winning Hell's Kitchen, Dave Levey worked as Araxi Restaurant and Bar in Whistler, British Columbia. He has since returned to New Jersey to work as a chef and baker at a variety of restaurants.
As chef Gordon Ramsay took the microphone last night at Hell's Kitchen, in Caesars Palace, on the Las Vegas Strip, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the restaurant, which was the first of his six Hells, five now in the U.S. and one in Dubai.
Is Michelle still head chef at Hell's Kitchen? ›
Currently working on the corporate culinary team for Gordon Ramsay North America as the Executive Chef of Culinary Development.
What happened to Trenton after Hell's Kitchen? ›Trenton Garvey, who was the winner in season 20, is currently working as the head chef at Gordon Ramsay Steak in Paris Las Vegas. Hell's Kitchen is a cooking show that first premiered on FOX on May 30, 2005.
What is Nick from Hell's Kitchen doing now? ›Nicholas Peters Bond - Co Founder & Executive Chef - Kitchen to Aisle Catering & Events | LinkedIn.
Why did Gordon Ramsay quit Hell's Kitchen? ›“I got fed up with Kitchen Nightmares because I was getting s--t,” the chef recently remarked. “So I woke up one morning and I thought 'F--k it, I'm done. '” Now, Ramsay regrets this decision, telling the Daily News: “Yes, it was wrong to pull my own show off air, but that's it.”
Why did Gordon Ramsay stop doing Hell's Kitchen? ›In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the famous chef revealed why he decided to end the show. He said, "I canceled my own show on Fox, Kitchen Nightmares,” he then explained that he hit a breaking point with one of the restaurants on the show and realized he was done.
What happened to the maitre D on Hell's Kitchen? ›He's served as the restaurant director during many of the series' installments, and currently features on season 21. The Italian native appeared in this season's first episode, but then disappeared, due to a trip to Italy. He returned during episode 10.
What famous people are from Hells Kitchen? ›- Peter Agostini.
- John Allman (poet)
- George J. Ames.
- Greg Antonacci.
- Benjamin Appel.
World-renowned Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay's iconic HELL'S KITCHEN is now open in Washington, D.C.!
Who is the guy that owns Hell's Kitchen? ›Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen is a multi-national fine dining restaurant chain, owned by British chef Gordon Ramsay, and based on the reality TV show Hell's Kitchen. As of early 2023 the chain consists of five USA locations and one in Dubai.
Is Gordon Ramsay the most successful chef? ›Gordon Ramsay – 7 Michelin stars
Known for his volatile kitchen demeanour and exceptional British cuisine, Gordon Ramsay is arguably the most famous chef in the world. Although he's been awarded 16 Michelin stars throughout his career, he currently holds seven.
Are the people who eat at Hell's Kitchen actors? ›
The diners were, in fact, real people who were recruited to test out the food and service in the “restaurant.” (The building, by the way, is a former TV studio converted into a restaurant and dorm area for the production.)
Is any of Hells Kitchen scripted? ›In regards to the show's actual content, most of it is real. None of the contestants are actors, nor are their interactions scripted — instead, as Ramsay has stated to Emmy Magazine, the show is cast to instigate actual conflict.
What is the average income in Hell's Kitchen? ›The average annual household income in Clinton - Hell's Kitchen is $148,625, while the median household income sits at $105,538 per year. Residents aged 25 to 44 earn $156,354, while those between 45 and 64 years old have a median wage of $107,626.
Who cooks the food at Hell's Kitchen? ›The series is hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who created and appeared in the British series of the same name.
Does Hell's Kitchen have any Michelin stars? ›Hell's Kitchen by 3-Star Michelin Chef Gordon Ramsay
Hell's Kitchen, located in the Caesars Palace, is highly recognizable due to Chef Gordon Ramsay's reality-based television show by the same name.
After winning Hell's Kitchen season 18, Ariel was offered the grand prize of working as the executive chef at Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Shockingly, Ariel turned down the coveted position, much to the dismay of fans.
Is Christina still head chef in Vegas? ›She was awarded the position of chef de cuisine at Gordon Ramsay Steak at the Paris Las Vegas. After 2015, she was the Corporate Executive Chef of Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group. In 2016 and from 2018 onward, she has also returned to Hell's Kitchen as a Sous-chef.
How do you get a reservation at Hell's Kitchen? ›Can I make a reservation at Hell's Kitchen? You can find available reservations here by simply selecting the location you wish to visit, clicking the "Book A Table" button then entering your desired date, time, and party size for your reservation. We can't wait for you to dine with us!
Is Gordon Ramsay a billionaire? ›Gordon Ramsay
With a wide range of books, restaurants, tv shows, licenses, appearances, and sponsorships, Gordon has acquired a net worth of about 220 million dollars.