The Culinary Empire: 9 Top Chef Season 5 Contestants Who Are Still Dominating The Food Scene In 2024

Over fifteen years after the iconic "Top Chef: New York" season first aired, the contestants of Season 5 have proven to be one of the most enduring and successful casts in the show's history. The season, which premiered in 2008, launched a generation of culinary stars who have since built major restaurant empires, become household names on television, and even taken on key roles behind the scenes of the very show that made them famous. This 2024 update dives deep into the current lives and careers of the chefs who battled for the title, revealing how they've leveraged their Bravo spotlight into lasting professional success.

As of late 2024, the careers of the Season 5 alumni are flourishing, with many expanding their brands, opening new venues, and continuing to influence the American food landscape. From the winner's Colorado-based empire to the fan favorites' national media presence, the New York cast remains a powerful force in the culinary world.

Top Chef Season 5 (New York) Key Contestants: A 2024 Career Profile

The fifth season of Top Chef featured 17 talented chefs, but a core group of finalists and fan favorites went on to achieve significant, long-lasting fame. Here is a look at the most prominent careers from the "New York" season.

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• Hosea Rosenberg (Winner): Owner and Executive Chef of multiple acclaimed restaurants in Colorado.
• Stefan Richter (Runner-Up): Finnish-born celebrity chef and restaurateur with a global presence.
• Carla Hall (3rd Place/Fan Favorite): Celebrity chef, television personality, cookbook author, and culinary activist.
• Fabio Viviani (4th Place/Fan Favorite): Celebrity chef, hospitality developer, TV host, and best-selling cookbook author.
• Jeff McInnis (5th Place): James Beard nominated chef and restaurateur focused on Southern and seafood cuisine.
• Leah Cohen (6th Place): Chef and owner of acclaimed Southeast Asian restaurants in New York City.
• Jamie Lauren (7th Place): Former contestant who transitioned to a major behind-the-scenes role at the Top Chef series.
• Ariane Duarte (9th Place): Chef and owner of a popular New Jersey restaurant.

Hosea Rosenberg: The Colorado Restaurant King

Hosea Rosenberg, the Season 5 champion, has successfully parlayed his win into a thriving Colorado-based restaurant group. After his victory, Rosenberg established himself as a culinary force in Boulder, Colorado.

Today, he is the owner and executive chef of two highly acclaimed establishments: Blackbelly and Santo. Blackbelly, a popular restaurant and market, is known for its whole-animal butchery program and focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

In a major expansion move, Rosenberg also opened a new Japanese-influenced spot in Denver in late 2022, further diversifying his culinary portfolio and solidifying his status as a top chef and restaurateur in the region.

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Carla Hall: The Comfort Food Maven and TV Icon

Carla Hall is arguably the most recognizable face to emerge from the New York season. Beloved for her warm personality and signature "Hootie Hoo!" catchphrase, Hall finished in third place but became an enduring fan favorite.

Hall's career has skyrocketed in the years since, centering on television and cookbook writing. She was a co-host of the popular talk show The Chew for seven seasons and has been a judge on numerous Food Network programs.

In 2024, Hall continues to be a major culinary voice. She launched the Green Bites pop-up series, which focuses on zero-waste cooking and plant-based innovation, demonstrating her dedication to eco-friendly practices and modern food trends. Her cookbook, Carla Hall's Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, remains a best-seller, cementing her role as the nation's premier comfort food expert.

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Fabio Viviani and Stefan Richter: The Global Brands

The two European finalists, Fabio Viviani and Stefan Richter, have both built formidable international culinary brands, leveraging their distinct personalities from the show. Viviani, known for his Italian charm, finished fourth and later returned for Top Chef: All-Stars.

Today, Fabio Viviani is a celebrity chef, hospitality developer, and TV host with a portfolio that includes multiple restaurants and event venues nationwide. He is a best-selling cookbook author and regularly headlines major culinary events, including appearances scheduled throughout 2024.

Stefan Richter, the Finnish-born runner-up, continues to be a prominent figure in fine dining. He is the figurehead of the successful Stefan's Steakhouse chain of restaurants across Finland, with locations in cities like Vaasa and Tammerfors (Tampere). Though he resides in California, Richter's brand is a testament to his innovative, high-quality approach to cuisine.

The Next Generation of Restaurateurs: Leah Cohen and Jeff McInnis

Beyond the top four, several other Season 5 contestants have opened critically acclaimed restaurants, shaping the culinary scenes in New York and South Florida.

Leah Cohen, who finished sixth, is a powerhouse restaurateur in New York City. She is the chef and owner of the highly successful Southeast Asian-inspired restaurants Pig & Khao in the Lower East Side and Piggyback NYC in the Penn district. Her success continues with plans to open a third location of Pig and Khao in Philadelphia, further expanding her New York-based empire into a new market.

Jeff McInnis, a James Beard nominated chef, has made a significant impact on the Miami and Southern food scenes. He is known for his work with partner Janine Booth at South Florida favorites like Stiltsville Fish Bar and the Southern-inspired Root & Bone. His former acclaimed restaurant, Gigi in Miami Beach, garnered him three James Beard nominations, cementing his legacy as a top chef.

The Unexpected Career Twist: Jamie Lauren's Return to Top Chef

One of the most fascinating career trajectories belongs to Jamie Lauren. After her time as a contestant, she transitioned to a completely different, yet crucial, role. Today, Jamie Lauren serves as the Lead Culinary Producer for the Top Chef series.

In this role, she oversees the entire Culinary Department, managing the complex logistics, ingredients, and kitchen operations for the entire production. Her intimate knowledge as a former contestant provides a unique perspective, making her an invaluable part of the show's continued success in 2024.

Other Notable Season 5 Contestants: Where Are They Now?

The depth of talent in Season 5 extended throughout the cast, with many others establishing successful careers:

• Ariane Duarte: She owns and operates Ariane kitchen & bar in her hometown of Verona, New Jersey. She also won the premiere season of the competition show Cook Your Ass Off.
• Radhika Desai: The Chicago-based chef continues her culinary work and was the former executive chef at Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge.
• Melissa Harrison: The chef from New York City has continued her work in the culinary arts, contributing to various New York dining experiences.
• Richard Sweeney, Gene Park, Danny Gagnon, Jill Snyder, Patrick Dunlea, Laurine Wickett, and Alex Eland have all continued their careers in the competitive restaurant industry across the country, a testament to the high caliber of the Top Chef Season 5 cast.