Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I cook with heart and purpose, serving my church and community through food made with passion and love so people feel seen and deeply loved.
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 signature dishes are Cajun Spinach-Stuffed Chicken served with creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Southern Fried Catfish served with slow-cooked Collard Greens and Candied Yams. These dishes represent my love for bold Southern flavors and the comfort food traditions that have inspired my cooking journey.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My greatest culinary inspiration is my great-grandmother, who came from Louisiana. As a little boy, I watched how she cooked with love, faith, and intention. Her meals brought people together and made everyone feel seen, cared for, and at home. She taught me that food is more than nourishment it is a powerful way to love others and create lasting memories. Her legacy lives on in every dish I prepare.
What would you do with the $25,000?If I won the $25,000, I would invest in Gifted Hands Catering to expand my business, purchase equipment, and serve more people with excellence. I would also use a portion to help feed the homeless and support a youth mentorship center where young people can receive guidance, encouragement, and life skills. Food is my ministry and my way of showing love. Through every meal, I want people to feel seen, cared for, and deeply loved. This opportunity would help me grow my dream.
Vote for Johnny Tillis 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.
