Plot Synopsis

GORDON RAMSAY'S FOOD STARS is a one-hour reality series that puts food industry entrepreneurs through a multitude of challenges designed to showcase their business skills, test their drive and convince Ramsay they have what it takes to earn his personal investment of $250,000. Each week, the aspiring moguls are challenged in all aspects of running a food enterprise, including creating, marketing and selling to real customers. In addition to Ramsay, their progress is evaluated by guest judges and curated focus groups. As Ramsay pushes contestants to their limits, they'll have to prove they possess the raw ingredients required to succeed -- drive, dedication, creativity, passion and talent. Ramsay is prepared to put his money where his mouth is, by presenting the winner with an investment opportunity to take their idea to the next level. But to win Ramsay's support, it will take more than a great idea. They just need to survive Gordon Ramsay -- the only angel investor.

The 15 competitors include: Aaron Valentine (occupation: Founder of Snow Cone King; currently residing in: Mission Viejo, CA); Ashley Davies (Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Happy Grub; Norco, CA); Caroline D'Amore (Founder and CEO of Pizza Girl Inc.; Marina del Rey, CA); Chanel Goodson (Chef, Owner and Operator of Vegan AF; Los Angeles, CA); Chris Kanik (Founder and CEO of Smart Cups; Orange County, CA); Elisa Strauss (Cake Designer and Owner of Confetti Cakes; Larchmont, NY); Jake Aronskind (Founder and CEO of Pepper; Manhattan, NY); Jourdan Higgs (Head Chef and Owner of Provare Restaurant; Chicago, IL); Kagen Cox (Owner and Operator of Kagen Coffee & Crepes; Pasco, WA); Lan Ho (Founder and Owner of Fat Miilk; Chicago, IL); Luther Chen (Chef and Founder of Luther Bob's; Los Angeles, CA); Megan Meza (Entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Bandida; Brooklyn, NY); Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie (Founder, CEO, Executive Chef and Spice Purveyor at Indulgent Essential Spices; Durham, NC); Sydney Webb (CEO and Co-Founder of Toto Foods, Inc.; Santa Monica, CA); and Tony Balestreri (Chef/Pitmaster & Founder/CEO of Tony B's Steak Chips; Chicago, IL).

In the season opener, "Seaside Shack," the pressure is on for big impressions as Gordon sets the tone and makes a splash with an extravagant entrance. In the first challenge of the season, the competitors are split into teams and tasked with creating a food shack on the beach. The teams must work together to develop an enticing menu and deliver excellent customer service to attract customers and make profit. The team with the most profitable shack is safe from elimination and a competitor from the losing team will go home. Christopher Tompkin is the guest judge.
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On Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT, Food Network premiered "Finale," the season finale of GORDON RAMSAY'S FOOD STARS. The final three remaining contestants -- Caroline, Chris, and Lan -- battle for Gordon's quarter-million-dollar investment in one last challenge. The competitors must prove their ability to evolve their products -- taking their businesses to the next level. Three previous contestants from the season will return to join each of the finalists in helping them transform an empty retail space into their very own pop-up launch event, where they will showcase their brands. Two undercover industry experts will be among the audience to react to the entrepreneurs' leveled-up products and provide professional insights to aid Gordon in making his final decision to determine who will ultimately secure the investment. Guest Judges: Jennifer Saenz (Chief Merchandising Officer at Albertsons Companies), Mike Schall (Former Executive of Whole Foods and Current Head of Food and Beverage Practice of Focal Point Partners).