Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Donna Wright

Southern soul, luxe comfort, and pies that stop conversations. I bake legacy into every slice. Your Favorite Chef 2026.

Currently 5

in their Group

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You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is a Southern Soul Pie — a rich, comforting, deeply personal pie that blends tradition, elegance, and heart. Every slice carries the warmth of my family, the legacy of Southern kitchens, and the luxe touch that defines my culinary style. I bake with purpose, precision, and soul, creating pies that stop conversations and start memories.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration comes from the Southern kitchens I was raised in — the women in my family who cooked with heart, intention, and soul. Their warmth, their legacy, and their love for feeding people shaped the chef I am today. Every dish I create honors them, especially my pies, which carry their spirit in every slice.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000, I’ll invest it directly into Donna’s Haven — my Southern‑soul culinary brand. I’ll use it to elevate my kitchen, expand my menu development, and bring my signature pies and comfort dishes to a wider audience. This prize would help me build the legacy I’m creating for my family and my community.

James Beard Foundation

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