Top Chef Season 10—Where Are They Now?

Top Chef Season 10, also known as Top Chef: Seattle, brought a thrilling mix of culinary talent and personalities to the screen. More than a decade later, fans often wonder—where are these chefs now? Have they continued to rise in the food world, or ventured down entirely new paths? Could any of them still rise to fame in a fresh culinary challenge today? Here’s a detailed look at the journeys these chefs have taken since their stint on Top Chef Season 10.

1. Kristen Kish

Kristen Kish, the winner of Season 10, has solidified her status in the culinary world. After her victory, she became the executive chef of Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas—a modern American restaurant named after her grandmother. Kish has also served as a judge on Top Chef and continues to inspire with cookbooks and television appearances. Her career highlights a steady climb and sustained influence.

2. Brooke Williamson

Brooke Williamson, runner-up on the season, went on to open several acclaimed restaurants, notably in Los Angeles. She recently won Top Chef: All-Stars L.A., proving her skills remain top-tier. Williamson’s restaurants, such as Playa Provisions, continue to earn praise, and she’s an advocate for diversity in the culinary industry. Her post-show career is a textbook example of perseverance and excellence.

3. Shirley Chung

Shirley Chung shifted her focus toward blending Asian flavors with Californian influences. She has authored cookbooks and opened her own restaurant, Twenty Eight, located in Costa Mesa, combining bold flavors and community impact. Chung also works as an advocate for cultured culinary practices and immigrant chef representation.

4. Stephanie Cmar

Stephanie Cmar, known for her adventurous spirit on the show, has made a name for herself not just as a chef but also as a content creator and host. She continues to work in various culinary roles in Boston and frequently engages with fans through social media, maintaining a connection to Top Chef followers.

5. Grayson Schmitz

Grayson quickly rose to prominence after the show with his unique New American style. He opened several restaurants in California including Rancherita and Grayson’s MKT. Though his restaurants have experienced ups and downs, Schmitz remains a respected figure, often involved in pop-ups and collaborations.

6. Megan Garber

Megan Garber has focused mainly on her roots on the East Coast, opening innovative restaurants in Rhode Island. She’s also engaged in culinary education and mentoring aspiring chefs from diverse backgrounds. Garber continues to build a reputation as a thoughtful and community-oriented chef.

7. Dakotah Gaston

Dakotah Gaston returned to Texas where she honed her skills further and took part in various pop-up dining events. While she’s kept a lower profile than some other contestants, Gaston remains active in the culinary scene, emphasizing farm-to-table techniques.

8. Ramzy Hattar

Ramzy has leveraged his global culinary background to focus on Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. He currently works as a chef consultant and has appeared in several food festivals, bringing fresh flavors and expanding cultural appreciation through his dishes.

9. Leah Cohen

Though Leah was originally from Season 6, she returned to Top Chef: Seattle for an elimination challenge and has maintained a consistent culinary presence. Her New York City restaurant, Pig & Khao, is still beloved, and she remains active in promoting sustainable cooking.

10. Casey Thompson

Casey Thompson, a returning veteran from earlier Top Chef seasons, competed again in Season 10 and has maintained her reputation as a grill master. She runs several establishments in Texas and frequently appears on food-related television programs, emphasizing Texan and Southwestern flavors.

11. Chef Grayson Schmitz

After his initial post-show success, Grayson has continued to experiment with culinary ventures and innovative dining concepts. He’s notable for embracing the pop-up dining scene and collaborating with other chefs to keep his brand fresh.

12. Shirley Chung

In addition to restaurant ownership, Shirley has invested time in culinary advocacy and education initiatives focused on the Asian American chef community. She’s an important voice in elevating diversity within the food industry.

13. Stephanie Cmar

Stephanie has branched into hosting and producing culinary events, demonstrating versatility beyond the kitchen. Her engaging personality has helped her maintain a loyal fanbase since her Top Chef appearance.

14. Megan Garber

Besides running restaurants, Megan has been actively involved in expanding culinary education programs—helping underrepresented groups gain entry into the competitive restaurant world.

15. Kristen Kish

Continuing to work on various projects, Kristen has become an influential culinary trendsetter, occasionally guest-judging on Top Chef and launching collaborative food products. Her evolving career poses the question: Could she be ready for a comeback in a culinary challenge?

16. Brooke Williamson

Brooke’s recent Top Chef win underscores her sustained culinary excellence. Her continued dedication to creating memorable dining experiences solidifies her position among the top chefs nationwide, posing a challenge to the next generation aiming to reach her level.

17. Ramzy Hattar

Ramzy continues to push the boundaries of Middle Eastern cuisine in the U.S., demonstrating how global influences can merge with local ingredients. His evolving culinary vision suggests exciting future projects.

18. Leah Cohen

Maintaining a balance between sustainable practices and bold flavors, Leah’s leadership in the kitchen remains influential. Her ability to adapt and innovate keeps her relevant in today’s fast-changing culinary landscape.

Top Chef Season 10 alumni have collectively showcased growth, resilience, and creativity in diverse ways. Whether running restaurants, mentoring new chefs, or expanding culinary boundaries, their journeys highlight the long-lasting impact of the show. So, could any of these accomplished chefs take on a fresh Top Chef challenge and claim victory once more? Only time will tell.