Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Great food with a greater purpose—feeding my community, teaching youth to cook, and donating 1 meal to shelters for every 5 sold
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
My style of cooking is fusion, because I love adding my Haitian and Caribbean roots into different dishes. I would say my signature dishes are my lasagna and my jerk chicken fried rice made with Haitian black rice (Diri ak Djon Djon). I enjoy taking traditional flavors from my culture and giving them a creative twist that brings people something unique, flavorful, and memorable.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from my culture, family, and the dream of bringing people together through food. Growing up around Haitian and Caribbean cooking taught me that food is more than just a meal — it’s love, comfort, and community. I’m inspired by the hardworking people in my life who could make something amazing out of very little and still feed everyone with pride. That passion pushes me to create flavorful dishes while also giving back to my community through my fut
What would you do with the $25,000?If I win the $25,000, I would use it to start opening the restaurant of my dreams. I already have the vision, the business plan, and even a location in mind that I truly love. All I need now is the financial support to bring it to life. This opportunity would help me turn my passion for food, community, and culture into a reality.
Vote for Cherby Francois to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.
