Hell's Kitchen, the popular cooking show hosted by Gordon Ramsay, has been on the air since 2005. On the show, aspiring chefs compete in a series of grueling challenges and are eliminated one by one until only one remains. At the end of the season, the last chef standing is declared the winner and receives a prize. But what happens to the winners after they leave Hell's Kitchen? This article takes a look at the fates of the past winners and finds out where they are now.
Season One Winner: Michael Wray
The first season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Michael Wray. After winning the show, Wray went on to open his own restaurant in Santa Monica, California. Called Wray's Kitchen, the restaurant was open for three years before closing in 2008. Following the closure of his restaurant, Wray began working as a private chef for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Belinda Carlisle. Wray currently lives in Los Angeles and works as a personal chef for private events.
Season Two Winner: Heather West
The second season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Heather West. After winning the show, West moved to Las Vegas and opened her own restaurant, Heather's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2009. Following the closure of her restaurant, West began working as a chef at a number of casinos in Las Vegas. West currently lives in Las Vegas and works as a private chef for a number of high-roller clients.
Season Three Winner: Rock Harper
The third season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Rock Harper. After winning the show, Harper opened his own restaurant in Washington, DC. Called Rock Harper's Southern Kitchen, the restaurant was open for six years before closing in 2012. Following the closure of his restaurant, Harper began working as a chef for various media outlets and producing his own cooking shows. Harper currently lives in Washington, DC and works as a chef for the Food Network.
Season Four Winner: Christina Machamer
The fourth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Christina Machamer. After winning the show, Machamer moved to New York City and opened her own restaurant, Christina's. The restaurant was open for four years before closing in 2016. Following the closure of her restaurant, Machamer began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in New York City. Machamer currently lives in New York City and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Five Winner: Holli Ugalde
The fifth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Holli Ugalde. After winning the show, Ugalde moved to Los Angeles and opened her own restaurant, Holli's. The restaurant was open for three years before closing in 2011. Following the closure of her restaurant, Ugalde began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in Los Angeles. Ugalde currently lives in Los Angeles and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Six Winner: Dave Levey
The sixth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Dave Levey. After winning the show, Levey opened his own restaurant in Miami, Florida. Called Dave's Kitchen, the restaurant was open for five years before closing in 2016. Following the closure of his restaurant, Levey began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in Miami. Levey currently lives in Miami and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Seven Winner: Ja'Nel Witt
The seventh season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Ja'Nel Witt. After winning the show, Witt moved to Houston and opened her own restaurant, Ja'Nel's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2014. Following the closure of her restaurant, Witt began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in Houston. Witt currently lives in Houston and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Eight Winner: Ariel Fox
The eighth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Ariel Fox. After winning the show, Fox moved to San Francisco and opened her own restaurant, Ariel's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2018. Following the closure of her restaurant, Fox began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in San Francisco. Fox currently lives in San Francisco and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Nine Winner: Paul Niedermann
The ninth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Paul Niedermann. After winning the show, Niedermann moved to Boston and opened his own restaurant, Paul's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2020. Following the closure of his restaurant, Niedermann began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in Boston. Niedermann currently lives in Boston and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Season Ten Winner: Christina Wilson
The tenth season of Hell's Kitchen was won by Christina Wilson. After winning the show, Wilson moved to Chicago and opened her own restaurant, Christina's. The restaurant was open for three years before closing in 2019. Following the closure of her restaurant, Wilson began working as a chef at a number of restaurants in Chicago. Wilson currently lives in Chicago and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Michael Wray now?
Michael Wray is currently living in Los Angeles and working as a personal chef for private events.
What happened to Heather West after winning Hell's Kitchen?
After winning Hell's Kitchen, Heather West moved to Las Vegas and opened her own restaurant, Heather's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2009. West currently lives in Las Vegas and works as a private chef for a number of high-roller clients.
Where is Rock Harper now?
Rock Harper currently lives in Washington, DC and works as a chef for the Food Network.
Where is Christina Machamer now?
Christina Machamer currently lives in New York City and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
What happened to Holli Ugalde after winning Hell's Kitchen?
After winning Hell's Kitchen, Holli Ugalde moved to Los Angeles and opened her own restaurant, Holli's. The restaurant was open for three years before closing in 2011. Ugalde currently lives in Los Angeles and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Where is Dave Levey now?
Dave Levey currently lives in Miami and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
What happened to Ja'Nel Witt after winning Hell's Kitchen?
After winning Hell's Kitchen, Ja'Nel Witt moved to Houston and opened her own restaurant, Ja'Nel's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2014. Witt currently lives in Houston and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Where is Ariel Fox now?
Ariel Fox currently lives in San Francisco and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
What happened to Paul Niedermann after winning Hell's Kitchen?
After winning Hell's Kitchen, Paul Niedermann moved to Boston and opened his own restaurant, Paul's. The restaurant was open for two years before closing in 2020. Niedermann currently lives in Boston and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Where is Christina Wilson now?
Christina Wilson currently lives in Chicago and works as a private chef for a number of high-profile clients.
Where did the winners of Hell's Kitchen open their own restaurants?
The winners of Hell's Kitchen opened their own restaurants in various cities across the United States, including Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Washington, DC, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, San Francisco, and Boston.
Are the winners of Hell's Kitchen still working as chefs?
Yes, the winners of Hell's Kitchen are still working as chefs. Some are working as private chefs for high-profile clients, while others are working as chefs at restaurants or for media outlets