07/18/2026
Kasey Wills: Passion, Resilience, and Flavor
For Kasey Wills, the kitchen has always been a place of magic, connection, and purpose. Now, at 51 years old, she is bringing her lifelong love for culinary arts to the national stage as she competes to become the next Favorite Chef.
Rooted in Tradition
Kasey’s culinary journey began in the warmth of her grandmother’s kitchen and the vibrant rows of her backyard garden. At a young age, she learned that great food starts from the ground up. Watching her grandmother turn fresh, homegrown ingredients into comforting, scratch-made meals sparked a fire in Kasey. It was in those early moments, surrounded by the aromas of fresh herbs and simmering pots, that she found her true passion for food.
Inspired by Greatness
Driven by that foundational love for cooking, Kasey pursued the culinary world with relentless dedication. Over the years, she had the privilege of working under and alongside some truly exceptional chefs. By observing their techniques, absorbing their leadership styles, and studying their mastery of flavor, Kasey refined her own skills. She took those lessons from high-caliber kitchens and infused them with her own creative, comforting style, developing a reputation for crafting unique, crowd-pleasing dishes built from scratch.
An Unstoppable Spirit
Kasey’s journey is defined not just by her talent, but by her incredible resilience. Born with spina bifida, she has faced her share of physical challenges and complications along the way. However, anyone who has ever seen Kasey in a kitchen knows she refuses to let anything slow her down. Where others might see obstacles, Kasey only sees a path forward. Her grit, determination, and unstoppable work ethic flavor everything she does, serving as an inspiration to her team and everyone who tastes her food.
"Food is about more than just sustenance—it's about family, resilience, and heart. I cook to honor where I came from and to show that no obstacle is too big when you're fueled by passion."
Cast your daily vote to support Kasey Wills on her journey to becoming the next Favorite Chef!
And remember any monetary donations are tax deductible
One chef will win $25k, a feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.