"A life-changing experience": Yes, Chef! winner Chef Emily Brubaker reflects on her journey

Yes, Chef! premiered on April 28, 2025, with its debut season. It ended with Chef Emily Brubaker announced as the winner. Throughout her journey on the competition, she demonstrated extraordinary skills and growth as both a Chef and a person.

After winning Yes, Chef!, she took to the social media platform, Instagram, and extended her gratitude. While thanking everyone, Chef Emily referred to the culinary competition as a "life-changing experience."

She shared an Instagram post on July 2, 2025, stating how she will carry the "friendships" that formed on the show with her forever:

"What I found was more than a competition, it was a life-changing experience filled with growth, laughter, and friendships I'll carry with me forever. I’m walking away with more belief in myself than I've ever had, and so much gratitude in my heart."

Yes, Chef! Season 1 winner Chef Emily opens up about her journey on the culinary competition

Yes, Chef! Season 1 concluded on June 30, 2025. In the finale of the show, Chef Emily Brubaker was named the winner of the competition. Viewers witnessed unique skills, growth, and a calm demeanor in her. Throughout the competition, she has been fully focused on her tasks, challenges, and always learning more.

While doing all that, she also went through a journey of personal growth. Since winning the show, Emily has become an even more renowned name. After she got much-deserved appreciation and won the show, she shared how she felt via Instagram.

In her recent Instagram post, Chef Emily Brubaker mentioned how she was still in "disbelief." She wrote that she was "unsure" when she entered the competition. However, she wanted to work on building confidence and "rein in" her temper.

"I'm still in disbelief… you're looking at the very first winner of Yes, Chef! When I started this journey, I was unsure of myself. I wanted to build confidence, learn to lead with grace, and maybe rein in my temper a bit. I had no idea what would be waiting on the other side," wrote Chef Emily.

Further, she stated that the show has been much more than just a "competition." She also discussed friendships and personal growth that she came across on the show. Emily stated that she had "so much gratitude" in her heart.

Yes, Chef! winner also thanked her family, kids, and more of her loved ones for being there for her.

"Thank you to my incredible family- Jake, for always pushing me, and my kids, who are my whole world. I love you all endlessly. To my Omni family, thank you for supporting me and letting me chase this dream. I’m so grateful to call Carlsbad my home and to represent this little town."

Chef Emily concluded the post by sharing the excitement and eagerness for the future. She noted that she couldn't wait to see "what comes next."

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Fans can stream Yes, Chef! Season 1 episodes and witness Chef Emily's journey on the show on NBC.

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