Zian Cole

I’ve never limited myself to one signature dish because everyone seems to have a different favorite of what I make. Some know me for my jerk fried chicken and mac and cheese, while others love my Rasta pasta, steaks, or seafood dishes. What makes my food stand out is the balance of bold flavor, creativity, and comfort. For me, cooking is about passion, bringing people together, and creating meals people remember.

While chefs like Alex Guarnaschelli inspire me creatively, my biggest culinary inspiration will always be my grandma. She raised me while my parents weren’t around, and I grew up beside her in the kitchen watching her cook with love and passion. She taught me that food is more than just a meal. It’s comfort, culture, connection, and a way to bring people together. That’s where my passion for cooking truly started.

If I won, I would use the money to invest in my dream of starting my own food truck and building something meaningful through my cooking. At the same time, a big part of it would go toward helping my grandma with her bills and giving back to the woman who inspired everything I do in the kitchen. I wouldn’t be the cook or person I am today without her, and being able to support her would mean just as much to me as chasing my dream.