Chef Kari Shaughnessy

Nick Wong is the Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Agnes and Sherman, Houston Heights’ Asian American diner-inspired concept, a 2026 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant.

In 2023, Chef Kari Shaughnessy founded Hayward, a restaurant now in Carlton, Oregon, that has quickly gained acclaim for its innovative ‘New Northwest Fare’ and commitment to local sourcing. At Hayward, Kari’s deep connections with local farmers and winemakers shine through, creating a dining experience that celebrates the rich ecosystems and vibrant community of the Willamette Valley. The menu reflects Chef Kari's dedication to seasonal, farm-led flavors and her expertise in fermentation and whole animal butchery. Within just a year, Hayward became a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant award, cementing Kari's place as a cornerstone of the community and Chef Kari's future as a national leader advocating for rural foodways.

Adam Sobel is a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and builder of teams driven by one simple belief: hospitality is about how you make people feel. Today, as the founder of Aether Group, Adam is focused on creating soulful, culture-driven concepts that blur the lines between food, music, art, and community. That entrepreneurial drive extends beyond restaurants. Adam is the founder of Sobelini Pizza Crunch, a chef-driven CPGbrand born from his obsession with bold flavor and texture.

Philip Tessier, an acclaimed chef, author, and mentor, serves as Chef Partner at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena, California. Best known for its modern, refined American cuisine, PRESS has earned a Michelin star and the distinction of being a World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurant.

Shola Olunloyo is a talented, passionate, and resourceful chef, and distinguished member of the Philadelphia restaurant community. At Studio kitchen, or “SK,” Olunloyo develops and plays with culinary concepts, global foods, and cutting edge technology in an approachable laboratory setting. There, he sees ideas to fruition, from concepts for restaurants to innovations for food service equipment manufacturers.

Beau Schooler is a highly skilled and innovative chef based in Juneau, Alaska. Chris and Beau went so deep in conversation, we made two episodes and both are not to be missed. In Part 2, the chefs have a frank conversation about their personal struggles with addiction and the complexities of that issue in the hospitality industry. They delve into the importance of understanding, especially when it comes to helping others dealing with addiction and recovery. The chefs discuss the impact of social media, the continuous desire to learn and grow, the importance of creating opportunities for staff, and their shared love of cookbooks. Plus there's a lot of cool inside info about Alaska and its abundance and variety of seafood. Visit Chef Beau Schooler at In Bocca Al Lupo in Juneau, Alaska.

Beau Schooler is a highly skilled and innovative chef based in Juneau, Alaska. With over two decades of experience in the culinary industry, Beau has become renowned for his ability to create unique and delicious dishes using local Alaskan ingredients. Beau has continued to push the boundaries of Alaskan cuisine as the Executive Chef at In Bocca Al Lupo, a popular Italian restaurant in Juneau.

Chef Marc Murphy is a Food Network personality and acclaimed New York City restaurateur known for hosting exclusive private dining experiences and pop-up dinners at his event space in Manhattan. A familiar face at food festivals and culinary events, he is a longtime judge on Chopped. He frequently appears on The Drew Barrymore Show and other Food Network programs. He and his brother produce Umbrian Gold premium olive oil, and he has thriving partnerships with Burlap & Barrel Spices and Chocolat Moderne.

Chef Johnny Courtney is the chef and co-owner of Atoma in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, operating out of a charming 100-year-old Craftsman home. The restaurant has earned significant recognition, including being named a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant and one of Eater, Robb Report and Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in 2025.

An early pioneer of seasonally driven fine dining, Chef Ken Frank has been in relentless pursuit of deliciousness since his teenage years living in France. At just 23, Ken opened the first La Toque on the Sunset Strip, Today, Chef Ken Frank continues to lead La Toque in Napa Valley with the same curiosity and passion that sparked his career, blending classic French foundations with modern creativity. His cuisine remains rooted in seasonality, guided by craftsmanship, and dedicated to the simple pursuit of joy at the table.