Finalist on Hell’s Kitchen | Beat Bobby Flay Alum | Chef de Cuisine, Café Zaffri — New York City
Chef Whitney Thomas
Redefining
Southern Cuisine
Chef Whitney Thomas brings Southern roots and global technique to the heart of New York City. A Reidsville, North Carolina native, she discovered the soul of cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen — lessons that continue to shape her refined, modern approach to Southern cuisine. Today, Chef Whit stands at the forefront of a new culinary movement that honors heritage while pushing flavor forward.
Final Four Contestant
Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 on FOX
As Seen On
Executive Chef at 5Church Restaurant
in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she earned acclaim for her leadership and culinary creativity.
Executive Chef and Partner at Serenidad
a Latin American and Caribbean concept in Atlanta, Georgia, showcasing her versatility in diverse culinary traditions.
Executive Chef at Marcus Bar & Grille
further cementing her reputation in the Atlanta dining scene.
Home is Where the Heart is
For Chef Whit, home has always been more than a place. It’s a feeling she brings to every kitchen she touches. Her passion lies in honoring the flavors and stories of the South while creating spaces that reflect community, warmth, and belonging.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Whit is deeply committed to mentorship and representation in the culinary world. She uplifts the next generation of chefs while continuing to redefine what Southern food can be—a cuisine rooted in heart, heritage, and excellence, yet open to global influence. Through her cooking, she proves that flavor has no borders and that food, at its best, brings everyone to the same table.
