Overview
- Fifteen new cheftestants compete, including the show’s first life-partner restaurant co-owners and a pair of identical twins.
- Kristen Kish returns as host with Tom Colicchio as head judge and Gail Simmons back on the panel.
- The competition is centered in Charlotte with episodes in Greenville, featuring a Charlotte Motor Speedway Quickfire with NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch and celebrity guests including Emeril Lagasse, Liza Koshy, Fortune Feimster, and Danielle Brooks.
- The winner receives $250,000 plus a Food & Wine feature, an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a James Beard House dinner, and an onstage role at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.
- Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen returns March 30 hosted by Tom Colicchio, beginning with the third eliminated chef and allowing only one competitor to reenter the season.