5 Shocking Secrets And Latest Updates On Kelli Ferrell, The Queen Of Waffles From RHOA Season 16

Kelli Ferrell, the newest breakout star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) Season 16, has quickly become one of the most talked-about personalities on Bravo. The self-proclaimed "Queen of Waffles" brought her culinary empire and a deeply personal, messy divorce storyline to the forefront, captivating fans with her blend of business acumen and raw vulnerability.

As of December 13, 2025, Ferrell is navigating the intense scrutiny of reality television while simultaneously expanding her restaurant business and dealing with significant legal drama involving her ex-husband. Her journey from celebrated chef to reality TV sensation is marked by major career successes and surprising personal setbacks that are currently dominating headlines.

Kelli Ferrell: Full Biography and Profile

Kelli Ferrell (born Kelli Potter) is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality. She gained widespread recognition in the culinary world before joining the iconic cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta for its sixteenth season.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: Kelli Potter-Ferrell
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1985 (Note: Some sources cite March 13, 1994, but the 1985 date is more consistent with her career timeline and the age of her children.)
• Age (as of 2025): 40 (Based on 1985 birth year)
• Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Education: Bauder College of Atlanta
• Occupation: Restaurateur, Celebrity Chef, Cookbook Author, Reality Television Personality
• Known For: Owner of Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles, Author of *Kooking with Kelli*, Cast Member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) Season 16.
• Ex-Husband: Chuvalo Mark Ferrell
• Children: Four daughters (including her eldest, Chloe)
• Net Worth: Estimated to be $1 million
• Nickname: The "Queen of Waffles"

The Rise of the "Queen of Waffles": Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles Empire

Kelli Ferrell’s primary claim to fame and the foundation of her $1 million net worth is her successful culinary career, which earned her the title "Queen of Waffles." Her passion for cooking, which she calls her "recipe for success," led to the creation of her flagship restaurant, Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles.

From Conyers to Sandy Springs: The Restaurant's Expansion

The journey of Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles began in 2016 in Conyers, Georgia. The restaurant quickly became a beloved spot for soul food, known for its delicious southern meals and signature chicken and waffle dishes. Following its initial success, Ferrell relocated the main restaurant to McDonough, GA, in 2022.

In a major business move that coincided with her RHOA debut, Ferrell expanded her empire by opening a second location in the affluent Sandy Springs area of Atlanta, specifically in the Prado Shopping Center. This expansion solidified her status as a serious businesswoman and a prominent figure in the metro Atlanta culinary scene, often referred to as a "fashion foodie" for bringing her personal style into her work.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

A Cookbook and Other Media Appearances

Beyond the restaurant, Kelli Ferrell has further monetized her brand by releasing her own cookbook, Kooking with Kelli: Kollection of Family... (often shortened to *Kooking with Kelli*). The book features a collection of her soul-satisfying homemade dishes, showcasing her unique approach to Southern comfort food. Her media presence extends past Bravo, with appearances on shows like *Good Morning America* and *Access Hollywood*, further boosting her profile and her brand's reach.

The RHOA Drama: Divorce, Dating, and Devastating Lawsuits

Kelli Ferrell's time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 has been anything but smooth, with her personal life taking center stage. She has been incredibly open about her journey, from the emotional toll of her divorce to navigating the modern dating scene as a single mother.

The Tumultuous Divorce and Co-Parenting Challenges

A significant part of Kelli's storyline revolves around the finalization of her divorce from her ex-husband, Chuvalo Mark Ferrell. The divorce has been described as messy, particularly because they were co-owners of the Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles business.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Ferrell has been candid about the difficulties of co-parenting their four daughters, particularly her eldest, Chloe, who has appeared on the show. Viewers saw emotional conversations where Chloe expressed her anxieties about marriage and divorce, stating, "What if I end up like [my mom]?" Kelli has openly discussed her guilt over putting her daughter in this situation, highlighting the emotional complexity of her life after separation.

Two Major Lawsuits Rocking Her Business and Reputation

The most current and damaging news surrounding Kelli Ferrell involves two separate legal battles that threaten her financial stability and public image. These lawsuits provide the freshest and most compelling drama for the RHOA star:

1. Federal Lawsuit from Ex-Husband: Chuvalo Mark Ferrell filed a federal lawsuit against Kelli and Rockdale County officials. He alleges that Kelli used fraud and the court system to illegally strip him of his ownership and stake in the Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles restaurant. This serious allegation suggests a protracted and bitter legal fight over the ownership of her culinary empire.
2. Credit Card Debt Lawsuit: In a separate incident, Kelli Ferrell is reportedly being sued for accused credit card debt. While the exact amount and details of the debt are not fully public, the lawsuit adds another layer of financial scrutiny to the RHOA star, who is simultaneously trying to manage a multi-location restaurant business and her reality TV career.

Despite the legal drama, Ferrell has maintained a resilient posture, telling the press that she "knew what I signed up for" when she joined the show, embracing the reality that her life's challenges would be publicly aired.

What’s Next for Kelli Ferrell: RHOA Reunion and Future Endeavors

As Season 16 concludes, Kelli Ferrell is expected to bring the heat to the reunion, where the lawsuits and her contentious relationship with other cast members, including rumored drama with co-star Porsha Williams, will undoubtedly be addressed.

Her future remains tied to both her business and her television career. Fans are eagerly watching to see how she navigates the intense legal challenges while continuing to expand the Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles brand. Her ability to remain transparent about her life after divorce and her commitment to her daughters has earned her a dedicated following, establishing Kelli Ferrell as a powerful new voice in the *Real Housewives* universe.