Hispanic Top Chef 2025

Spring 2025
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM


Experience the fiery competition of Hispanic Top Chef, celebrating Latin culinary excellence through grill-driven challenges and cultural heritage.

Presented by the Hispanic Restaurant Association.

About Us

Our mission is to advocate on behalf of the Hispanic restaurateur in order to open and operate their restaurants more effectively and efficiently. Our vision is to educate and elevate the Hispanic community across a multi-generational spectrum.

What We Do

We are the one-stop shop for all the various needs of restaurateurs, chefs, and entrepreneurs.

We Find & Promote

We actively seek out exceptional Hispanic-owned restaurants across the nation, shining a spotlight on their unique flavors and culinary traditions. Through our platforms and events, we amplify their voices and bring their delicious offerings to a wider audience.

We Build Networks

Our organization fosters connections between Hispanic restaurateurs, industry experts, and culinary enthusiasts. We create spaces where ideas can be exchanged, partnerships can form, and a supportive community can thrive.

We Strengthen

We bolster Hispanic-owned restaurants by providing resources, tools, and strategies to enhance their operations and market presence. Our support aims to fortify these businesses, ensuring their longevity and success in a competitive industry.

We Educate

Knowledge is power, and we’re committed to empowering our members with cutting-edge industry insights, best practices, and skill development opportunities. From workshops to webinars, we offer a range of educational initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Hispanic restaurateurs.

We Provide Help

Challenges are inevitable, and when they arise, we’re there to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s navigating regulations, adapting to market changes, or overcoming operational hurdles, we provide guidance and support to see our members through difficult times.

We Consult

Our team of experienced professionals offers personalized consulting services to Hispanic restaurant owners. We provide expert advice on everything from menu development and marketing strategies to financial planning and business expansion, helping turn culinary dreams into thriving realities.

The world has long known about the talent within the Hispanic culinary community. Our goal is to recognize, showcase, and amplify that talent to the broader world. This is the essence of our vision: educate and elevate.

John Jaramillo

President

Our Contestants

Introducing Our Culinary Contenders: Meet the talented chefs vying for the title of Hispanic Top Chef.

Chef Marco Colin

As a “homegrown” chef hailing from Chicago, Marco Colin has lived in Chicago his entire life and grew up in the kitchen. From a young…

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Our Judges

Meet the Culinary Maestros: Our esteemed panel of judges brings decades of expertise and passion to Hispanic Top Chef.

Chef Sergio Ledesma

Chef Sergio Ledesma is a culinary maestro whose remarkable career spans over a quarter-century, culminating in his current prestigious position as Executive Chef at Hotel…

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Chef Pablo Aya

Chef Pablo Aya is a culinary virtuoso with over 15 years of experience, whose passion for creating extraordinary dishes is matched only by his exceptional…

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Chef Manny Barella

Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Manuel (Manny) Barella took a leap to leave law school and enrolled in a culinary program to pursue his…

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What People Say

See what the voices of success in the community have to say.

“It was a life-changing experience being mentored by Chefs Fernando and Pablo. I most highly recommend anything they have to offer.”

– Chef Rafael Zamora, Hotel La Fonda (Santa Fe, NM)

“I gained inspiration and insight from Chefs Fernando and Pablo. They helped me see the future and set me up on a path to success.”

– Sebastian Cruz, Sea Salt Healthy Kitchen (St. Simons Island, GA)

“Learning from chefs such as Chef Pablo Aya, Chef Fernando Stovell, Chef Betty Basquez was a priceless experience I will forever thank the HRA for. Invest in yourself and your future by learning from people who inspire you to be and see more everyday.”

– Chef Carolina Zubiate, Yuan Wonton (Denver, CO)
Educate & Elevate.
Join us in changing the culinary industry.
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