Hell's Kitchen Season 18 Where are they now? Who won Hells Kitchen Season 18?
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Updated Jul 03, 2024
Hell's Kitchen Season 18 Where are they now?
Hell's Kitchen Season 18 aired on the Fox Network on September 28, 2018. The season featured a competition between 16 contestants, divided into two teams: the rookies and the veterans. The prize for the winner was a prestigious executive chef position at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant, located in Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada. Check below for the contestants current status and lifestyle.
Ariel Contreras-Fox
Ariel Contreras-Fox, originally from Brooklyn, New York, competed in Hell's Kitchen Season 18 and emerged as the winner, securing the Executive Chef position at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, she chose to become the Executive Chef of Dos Caminos in NYC instead. In May 2020, Ariel took on the role of Vice President of Culinary at Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, and Dos Caminos, showcasing her culinary leadership beyond the competition.
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Bret Hauser
Bret Hauser, hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, competed in Season 18 but had to leave due to an injury. Post-show, he faced legal issues, being arrested in November 2018 for drug-related charges. Despite setbacks, Bret continues to work as a private chef and advocate for cannabis-related causes, reflecting his journey after Hell's Kitchen.
Chris Mendonca
Chris Mendonca, an Executive Chef from Boston, Massachusetts, withdrew from Hell's Kitchen Season 18 due to mental health concerns. After the show, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Ward 8 and later became a Chef at The Automatic Food & Drink in February 2019, focusing on his culinary career with a mindful approach.
Chris Motto
Chris Motto, known as Motto, represented Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as a rookie contestant on Season 18. He voluntarily left the competition in episode 14 but returned to his role as Executive Chef at Mansurs On The Boulevard in Baton Rouge. Motto has also engaged in philanthropic efforts, raising funds for local charities through culinary events.
Elizabeth "Gizzy" Barton
Elizabeth "Gizzy" Barton, a Former Executive Chef from Atlanta, Georgia, competed as a rookie in Season 18 but was eliminated in episode 7. Post-show, she resumed her role as Sous Chef at Ecco before starting her own meal plan business and engaging in online cookery events, showcasing her culinary skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Heather Williams
Heather Williams, originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, competed in Season 18 after finishing as a runner-up in Season 16. Despite being eliminated in episode 13, Heather continued her career as an Executive Chef at Leaf Cigar Bar and later transitioned to become the Executive Chef at Lehigh Valley IronPigs, demonstrating resilience in her culinary journey.
Jen Gavin
Jen Gavin, hailing from Chicago, Illinois, previously competed in Season 4 and returned for Season 18. Despite being eliminated in episode 3, Jen focused on her company, Edible Passport, offering cookery classes, catering, and private chef services. She has navigated challenges post-show, including setbacks in business investments, but remains active in the culinary industry.
Jose DeJesus
Jose DeJesus, a Chef de Cuisine from Bronx, New York, competed as a rookie in Season 18 but was eliminated in episode 10. He returned to his pop-up dining experience, Breaking Bread Kitchen, offering private chef, catering, and consulting services. Jose continues to contribute to the culinary scene with his versatile skills and entrepreneurial ventures.
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Kanae Houston
Kanae Houston, a Lead Line Cook from Los Angeles, California, competed as a rookie in Season 18 and was eliminated in episode 12. Post-show, Kanae pursued a career as a personal chef, offering cook and sip experiences and cooking classes through her company, Always Homemade, showcasing her passion for culinary arts and teaching.
Kevin Cottle
Kevin Cottle, from Middletown, Connecticut, previously competed in Season 6 and returned for Season 18. Despite being eliminated in episode 5, Kevin resumed his role as Executive Chef at Fire at the Ridge at Powder Ridge Ski Resort and later became Corporate Executive Chef at American Cruise Lines, continuing to excel in the culinary field.
Mia Castro
Mia Castro, a Private Chef from Miami Beach, Florida, competed as a rookie in Season 18 and finished as the runner-up. Post-show, Mia continued her career as a private chef and food photographer, showcasing her culinary talents and creative endeavors in the food industry.
Roe DiLeo
Roe DiLeo, originally from Dallas, Texas, previously competed in Season 13 and returned for Season 18. Despite being eliminated in episode 8, Roe became the Executive Chef at City Tavern and appeared on Chopped in August 2019, demonstrating her resilience and culinary expertise post-show.
Scotley Innis
Scotley Innis, a Sous Chef from Atlanta, Georgia, competed as a rookie in Season 18 but was eliminated in episode 9. Post-show, Scotley resumed his role as Executive Chef at 5Church and expanded his culinary career into personal chef services, cooking classes, and catering/events, showcasing his versatility in the culinary arts.
Scott Popovic
Scott Popovic, an Executive Chef from Cleveland, Ohio, competed as a rookie in Season 18 but was eliminated in episode 2. Post-show, Scott became a Chef instructor at Polaris Career Center, focusing on culinary arts education and sharing his expertise with aspiring chefs.
Torrece T Gregoire
Torrece T Gregoire, known as T Gregoire, represented Draper, Virginia, as a veteran contestant in Season 18, having competed previously in Season 14. Despite being eliminated in episode 6, Torrece pursued a successful career as Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Operations at the Draper Mercantile and later at Radford University.
Trev McGrath
Trev McGrath, from New York City, previously competed in Season 8 and returned for Season 18. Despite being eliminated in episode 11, Trev became chef/owner at YooNeke, a catering company, and launched a Skinny Chef meals delivery service, continuing to pursue his passion for culinary arts and entrepreneurship.
Who won Hells Kitchen Season 18?
In Hell's Kitchen Season 18, Ariel Contreras-Fox emerged as the winner, showcasing her culinary talent and leadership throughout the competition. Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Ariel had previously competed in Season 6, where she finished in 3rd place. Her return to Hell's Kitchen in Season 18 proved herself, as she impressed Chef Gordon Ramsay and the judges with her consistency, creativity, and ability to lead her team.
As the winner of Hell's Kitchen Season 18, Ariel was offered the prestigious prize of becoming the executive chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, in a surprising move, Ariel declined the position, opting instead to continue her career in New York City.
Prior to her win, Ariel had been working as an executive chef at Dos Caminos, a popular Mexican restaurant, where she continued to excel after the show. She expanded her role to become Vice President of Culinary Operations at Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, and Dos Caminos, further showcasing her leadership and expertise in the industry.
Additionally, Ariel maintained her presence in the media, appearing in subsequent seasons of Hell's Kitchen and serving as a guest judge on other cooking shows. Beyond her professional achievements, Ariel celebrated personal milestones, including her marriage to Alexander Mangual and the birth of her daughters.
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Hells Kitchen Season 18 Contestants
These are the contestants list from Hells Kitchen Season 18 with teams.
Rookies:
Contestant | Age | Occupation | Result |
Mia Castro | 28 | Private Chef | Runner-up |
Chris Motto | 35 | Executive Chef | Quit before finals |
Kanae Houston | 25 | Sous Chef | Eliminated after Black Jackets challenge |
Jose DeJesus | 34 | Chef de Cuisine | Eliminated after eighth service |
Scotley Innis | 35 | Sous Chef | Eliminated after seventh service |
Elizabeth "Gizzy" Barton | 32 | Sous Chef | Eliminated after "Cook for your life" challenge |
Chris Mendonca | 25 | Executive Chef | Quit before fifth service |
Scott Popovic | 39 | Executive Chef | Eliminated after first service |
Veterans:
Contestant | Age | Occupation | Result |
Ariel Contreras-Fox | 36 | Chef de Cuisine | Winner |
Bret Hauser | 33 | Personal Chef | Eliminated before finals |
Heather Williams | 28 | Executive Chef | Eliminated after tenth service |
Trevor "Trev" McGrath | 38 | Lead Chef | Eliminated after ninth service |
Rosanne "Roe" DiLeo | 36 | Head Chef | Eliminated after sixth service |
Torrece "T" Gregoire | 34 | Director of Operations Chef | Eliminated after fifth service |
Kevin Cottle | 44 | Executive Chef | Eliminated after fourth service |
Jennifer "Jen" Gavin | 34 | Private Concert Catering Chef | Ejected during second service |
Where to Watch Hells Kitchen Season 18?
You can watch Hell's Kitchen Season 18 on streaming platforms like Hulu and Peacock. The season, titled "Rookies vs. Veterans," originally aired on FOX from September 28, 2018, to February 8, 2019. This edition of the popular cooking competition features aspiring chefs competing against each other under the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Whether you're revisiting the season or catching it for the first time, Hulu and Peacock provide convenient platforms to enjoy the culinary drama and interesting challenges of Hell's Kitchen Season 18.
Hells Kitchen
Hell's Kitchen is an American reality cooking competition television series that premiered on Fox on May 30, 2005. Hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the show pits two teams of chefs against each other in a high-pressure culinary environment. The goal for contestants is to win the coveted head chef position at a prestigious restaurant. Each season of Hell's Kitchen follows a format where contestants face various cooking challenges and dinner services.
The chefs are gradually eliminated through a series of challenges, with Ramsay ultimately deciding who stays and who goes. The series has raised attention for its intense competition, showcasing the chefs' skills under pressure and their ability to handle Ramsay's demanding standards. Over the years, Hell's Kitchen has been recognized with multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, highlighting its impact and popularity among viewers.
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