Kevin Gillespie

Kevin Gillespie is an American chef, restaurateur, and author recognized for his appearances on Bravo's cooking competition "Top Chef," where he was a finalist and named Fan Favorite during Season 6. Gillespie distinguished himself by winning the most Quickfire and Elimination Challenges in the show's history and competed as one of the final three chefs in Napa Valley. He later returned to the franchise, participating in "Top Chef Duels" and "Top Chef All Stars LA," rejoining the competition after winning Last Chance Kitchen.

Prior to his television career, Gillespie served as head chef at Woodfire Grill, a notable Atlanta restaurant influential in the city's farm-to-table movement. After graduating with honors from the Art Institute of Atlanta, he held positions at several prominent Atlanta establishments, including Atlanta Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Two Urban Licks, and Woodfire Grill. Gillespie is known for his focus on fresh, organic, and sustainable ingredients, a defining aspect of his culinary approach. Following his television success, he opened Gunshow, a dim-sum-inspired Southern restaurant recognized by Bon Appétit, Esquire, and GQ. He also opened Revival in Decatur, Georgia, and expanded his business through Red Beard Restaurants, offering consulting services and opening Kevin Gillespie's Gamechanger at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Gillespie has been a seven-time James Beard Awards finalist, including multiple nominations for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best Chef: Southeast. His cookbook "Fire in My Belly" received a James Beard Award, and his subsequent book, "Pure Pork Awesomeness," focused on pork recipes. Gillespie has also been nominated for Food & Wine's People's Best New Chef and was included in Forbes 30 Under 30. He received the GRACE Innovator Award from the Georgia Restaurant Association.

Gillespie has publicly discussed his experience with a rare form of renal cancer, diagnosed at age 35, and his return to the kitchen following recovery. He has shared his story to inspire others facing health challenges. Gillespie is the founder of the Defend Southern Food Foundation, an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in Atlanta communities.

Gillespie continues to innovate in Southern cuisine. He opened Nadair in Atlanta, a restaurant inspired by his Scottish heritage and Southern roots, with a menu centered on seasonally focused wood-fired cooking. Gillespie's career is marked by a commitment to authenticity, resilience, and the preservation of Southern food traditions, establishing him as a significant figure in American cuisine.