11
Bozeman Chef Stuns Food Network, Wins ‘100 Cooks’ Title
Montana Chef Bryce Stubbs Wins Food Network’s "100 Cooks" and $215,000!
Bozeman, Montana — A local chef just became a national champion on TV, and his winning dish told the story of his life.
Who Is Bryce Stubbs?
Bryce Stubbs isn’t just a chef — he’s a Montana guy with a big dream. Here’s the quick version of his story:
- Hometown: Churchill, Montana (near Bozeman)
- First teacher: His dad, who taught him to love cooking
- Big sacrifice: Worked in oil fields to save money for pastry school
- Big break: Got a surprise call to compete on national TV
- Contestant number: #39 out of 100 chefs
IMPORTANT POINT: Bryce almost didn’t go! He had to call his boss and figure out how to leave his job. Two weeks later, he was on a plane to Los Angeles.
What Is "100 Cooks"?
Think of it like a giant cooking tournament:
| Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Host | Terry Crews (the funny, muscular guy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and America’s Got Talent) |
| Contestants | 100 chefs from all over the USA |
| Format | Head-to-head cooking battles — lose once, you’re out |
| Episodes | 9 episodes total |
| Challenges | 8 cooking tests |
| Prize | $215,000 + the title of Champion |
Bryce’s Journey: Step by Step
1⃣ First Challenge: "Rotisserie Remix"
- Task: Make the best dish using a store-bought rotisserie chicken
- Result: Bryce won! The other chef went home.
2⃣ The Climb
- Bryce kept winning, challenge after challenge
- He cooked his way through 8 rounds total
- Made it to the final two — something he never expected
EMOTIONAL MOMENT: When Terry Crews asked how he felt, Bryce choked up. “This is crazy,” he said.
3⃣ The Finale: "Do Whatever You Want"
For the last challenge, there were no rules — just creativity.
Before the show, every chef could request 5 special ingredients. Bryce chose ingredients that meant something to him:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Elk tenderloin | Montana hunting tradition |
| Huckleberries | Wild Montana berries, taste of home |
| Oaxaca cheese | From his travels in Mexico |
| Taro root | Learned to cook with it abroad |
| Anaheim peppers | A little heat, a little sweet |
4⃣ The Winning Dish: "The Story of My Life"
Bryce plated up:
- Elk tenderloin (perfectly cooked)
- Corn purée (sweet, smooth base)
- Huckleberry sauce (tart, purple, pure Montana)
- Taro frites (crispy, golden fries made from taro root)
JUDGES’ VERDICT: They called out “Contestant #39” — Bryce had won!
What Happens Next?
Bryce isn’t stopping. The prize money is his launchpad:
- Already done: Traveled to Paris for pastry school
- This winter: Heading to Spain to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant
(That’s like the Olympics of cooking — only the best kitchens get stars) - Life goal: “Keep cooking. Just keep cooking.”
Where Can You Watch?
| Platform | How to Watch |
|---|---|
| Food Network Website | Free with TV provider login |
| HBO Max (now Max) | With subscription |
Search for "100 Cooks" and look for Season 1 — Bryce is Contestant #39!
Summary
- Montana chef Bryce Stubbs beat 99 other cooks on Food Network’s 100 Cooks
- He won $215,000 and the championship title
- His winning dish — elk with huckleberry sauce and taro frites — honored his dad, his travels, and his home
- Now he’s using the money to train in Paris and Spain at world-class kitchens
- His advice? “Keep cooking.”
FAQ
1. How old is Bryce?
The article doesn’t say his exact age, but he lost his dad at 13 and has since worked in oil fields, gone to pastry school, and competed on national TV — so he’s likely in his 20s or early 30s.
2. What is a Michelin star?
It’s a rating system for restaurants (like 5-star hotels, but for food).
- = Very good
- = Excellent, worth a detour
- = Exceptional, worth a special trip
Working in one is a huge deal for a chef.
3. Did Bryce go to culinary school?
Yes! He saved money from oil field work to attend pastry school (that’s baking and desserts). Now he’s going back for more training in Paris.
4. Can I make his winning dish at home?
You can try! But elk tenderloin and fresh huckleberries might be hard to find outside Montana. Substitute with beef tenderloin and blueberries or blackberries for a similar vibe.
5. Is "100 Cooks" coming back for another season?
As of now, Food Network hasn’t announced a Season 2 — but with a hit like this, don’t be surprised if they do!
Final Thought: Bryce’s story reminds us that where you come from matters — but where you’re going is up to you. Keep cooking, keep dreaming, and maybe one day you’ll be contestant #39.
