Award-Winning Chef & Southern Cuisine Innovator; Finalist & Fan Favorite on "Top Chef"; Founder of Gunshow & Red Beard Restaurants

Atlanta, GA, USA

Kevin Gillespie Biography

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.

BOOK Kevin Gillespie

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/23/2026.

Kevin Gillespie Videos

Top Chef Star Kevin Gillespie - YouTube

Top Chef Star Kevin Gillespie - YouTube

How big of a Foodie is Basketball star Kevin Durant ft Chef Ryan Lopez | Gold Medal Entourage - Duration: 8:06. Olympic 199,164 views · 8:06.

Kevin Gillespie Drops The Meat On The Jeff & Jenn Show | Star 94.1 ...

Kevin Gillespie Drops The Meat On The Jeff & Jenn Show | Star 94.1 ...

Celebrity Chef Kevin Gillespie "Drops The Meat" On The Jeff & Jenn Show on Star 94.1 in Atlanta! Kevin identifies 4 out 5 meats as they hit the ...

Meet Atlanta's Chef Kevin Gillespie - YouTube

Meet Atlanta's Chef Kevin Gillespie - YouTube

Atlanta's food scene is being defined by people like Kevin Gillespie, a James Beard Award-nominated chef, contestant on Top Chef, and owner ...

  • How do I book Kevin Gillespie to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Kevin Gillespie

    Speaking fees for Kevin Gillespie, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Kevin Gillespie are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kevin Gillespie, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Kevin Gillespie speak about?

    Kevin Gillespie is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Celebrity Chef, Celebrity Chef, Hospitality, Non-Fiction Authors
  • Where does Kevin Gillespie travel from?

    Kevin Gillespie generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Kevin Gillespie is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kevin Gillespie for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Kevin Gillespie generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Art Smith, Jose Garces, Richard Blais, Chef Adrienne Cheatham and Michael Schwartz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kevin Gillespie for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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