Colossal, the leading professional fundraiser, announces that the Favorite Chef Competition has returned for 2025, and this year’s event is bringing more flavor, flair, and star power than ever before. Designed to spotlight culinary excellence while supporting the James Beard Foundation (JBF), this competition is a true recipe for success. Since 2023, through this fundraising campaign, Colossal has raised over $9.5 million to benefit JBF and the amazing work they do celebrating, supporting, and elevating the people behind America’s food culture.
Do you think you have legit cooking skills to make it to the Favorite Chef final round? Register today!
What’s Cooking in 2025?
This year’s winner will savor a prize package designed to propel their culinary journey to new heights:
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- $25,000: This cash prize offers endless possibilities, from pursuing culinary education to investing in a dream restaurant concept.
- Appearance in Taste Recipes Magazine: As America’s premier cooking publication, Taste Recipes provides the perfect platform to showcase the winner’s unique culinary story.
- Exclusive Cooking Experience with Chef Carla Hall: Known for her charm and culinary prowess, chef Hall will offer hands-on guidance to elevate the winner’s skills.
Colossal Turns Up the Heat – Big-Time
And if you didn’t think the Favorite Chef competition was already legit, chefs Aarón Sánchez and Andrew Zimmern join Carla Hall as 2025 Chef’s Picks, meaning, along with the Public’s Choice champion, there are three more opportunities to win. Qualified Favorite Chef contenders will have the chance to showcase their skills to make a lasting impression on these chefs. Each expert will handpick one standout talent to win a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
AARÓN SÁNCHEZ
Award-winning chef and TV personality Aarón Sánchez co-stars on MasterChef and hosts “El Toque de Aarón.” A James Beard award winner, he’s recognized as a leader for the Hispanic community.
ANDREW ZIMMERN
Celebrated chef, TV personality and James Beard Award-winning host, this culinary icon is known for his adventurous palate and cultural curiosity. Best known for “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,” he has traveled the globe showcasing unique cuisines.
CARLA HALL
Carla Hall rose to fame on “Top Chef” and “The Chew.” Now, as host of her own HBO show “Chasing Flavor” and presenter of Favorite Chef, she continues to inspire with diverse cuisines, making cooking an irresistible adventure for all.
A Dynamic Duo of Hosts
For 2025, the competition is turning up the charisma with the return of Hall, now joined by former Favorite Chef champion Karen Jenkins, affectionately known as Chef Kay. This powerhouse duo brings a perfect blend of expertise and personality, making them the ultimate guides for contestants navigating the competition.
Chef Kay’s journey from champion to co-host exemplifies how this competition opens doors, inspiring participants to dream big and aim higher. “It’s an incredible opportunity to mentor others while showcasing the transformative impact this competition can have,” she shared.
Favorite Chef Supports the James Beard Foundation
Favorite Chef is about more than competing—it’s a platform to support the James Beard Foundation (JBF) in their mission to create a more equitable and sustainable food industry. The competition, operated by Colossal, raises funds on behalf of DTCare, a nationally registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Proceeds from the competition are directed to DTCare, which in turn issues grants to JBF, amplifying their work in championing diversity and sustainability in the culinary world.
“Colossal’s competitions have an extraordinary way of bringing people together around food, and we’re honored to be part of an initiative that uplifts talent while supporting our mission,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “Together, we’re creating a future where good food thrives on principles of talent, equity, and sustainability.”
Workshops and Industry Insight
To add even more value, this year’s competition includes exclusive workshops led by industry professionals. These sessions provide participants with behind-the-scenes knowledge, from perfecting plating techniques to mastering the art of storytelling through food.
Favorite Chef 2025 Sponsors
Each year, beloved culinary brands stand behind Colossal and Favorite Chef. With the return of John Boos & Co (provider of high-quality cutting boards, butcher blocks and workspaces), Cutco® (provider of American-made premium knives, kitchen solutions and knife know-how) and Chef Works® (manufacturer of chef uniforms and chef wear programs), comes popular brands including Shun (the premier brand of authentic Japanese cutlery) and SCANPAN® (manufacturer of fine, safe, sustainable Danish cookware).
Who’s Next?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a home cook with big dreams, the Favorite Chef Competition is your chance to turn your culinary passion into something extraordinary.
Think you have what it takes to claim the title of Favorite Chef? Don’t wait—register now and show the world your culinary genius! This is your chance to make your mark, support an incredible cause, and take your skills to the next level.
Why Colossal?
Colossal is the global leader in online competitions and a trusted partner for charities that aim to make a big impact. By blending innovation, engagement, and philanthropy, Colossal creates experiences that empower individuals while raising awareness and funds for important causes.
Register Here
Colossal FAQ
Is Favorite Chef legitimate?
Absolutely! Favorite Chef is not only an exciting online culinary competition, but it also makes a big impact. Since 2023, over $9.5 million has been granted through Colossal’s charity grantmaking partner, DTCare, to the James Beard Foundation. In this annual fundraising campaign, the public casts online votes to crown one cook as the champion to win $25,000, appear in Taste Recipes, and cook with the legend Carla Hall. Chef Karen Jenkins of Virginia took the 2023 crown (she returns in 2025 as co-host), and chef Keyana Jadali came out on top in 2024. So yes, Favorite Chef is proven to be a legitimate and impactful competition.
How do Colossal competitions work?
Colossal partners with a variety of brands, publications, influencers, and charities to develop amazing prize packages for their competitions. Interested people sign up, and Colossal vets them to make sure they are real humans and good candidates for the competition. People vote for their favorite, and the competitor with the most votes in the final round wins!
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! All donations made through the Colossal platform go to DTCare, a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. DTCare has partnered with Colossal to make giving internationally and domestically safe, easy, and effective for U.S. donors by raising charitable donations from members of the public to fund monetary grants to other charitable organizations.
