LCS has revealed the five finalists for the 2025 LCS “Chef of the Year” competition. The event recognizes the culinary expertise of executive chefs in senior living communities owned and managed by Life Care Services. Chef of the Year finalists were chosen by a panel that evaluated participant recipes, plated dishes, and videos emphasizing work in their respective communities.

The five finalist chefs will battle head-to-head in a three-round, “chopped-style” cook-off competition in front of a live audience on July 31, 2025, at the Sysco Test Kitchens in Houston, Texas. The high-stakes culinary challenge will feature mystery basket ingredients, celebrity judges, and intense elimination rounds. Creativity, speed, and skill will be put to the test, and only one will emerge as the Chef of the Year and take home the $10,000 grand prize!

Congratulations to the 2025 Chef of the Year finalists:

• Eduardo Franco — The Forum at Rancho San Antonio (Cupertino, CA)
• Brandon Martinez — Amavida at Lakes Park (Fort Myers, FL)
• Steven Pont — Essex Meadows (Essex, CT)
• Jaime Simoes Jr. — Freedom Plaza (Sun City Center, FL)
• Michael Wagner — Mercy Ridge (Timonium, MD)

A live stream of the competition will be available for media and community watch parties. To access the event live stream, please visit the LCS and Life Care Services social media platforms on the days leading up to the event.