Sedgebrook Senior Living executive chef, Kira Eggert, has received the coveted LCS “Chef of The Year 2023” (COTY) title and $10,000 grand prize after battling through a three-round, “chopped-style” cook-off Aug. 3 at the Sysco Test Kitchens in Houston, Texas.

As one of the five finalists, Eggert came out on top with a winning dish that featured a shrimp and grits-inspired dish.  This year’s event featured celebrity chef Christian Gill, who rose to culinary fame for his numerous executive chef roles and culinary competitions including a victory on time on Beat Bobby Flay. 

“These chefs put on an incredible display during this competition that showcased their incredible expertise and talent,” said Joel Nelson, LCS CEO.  “At LCS, we always say Experience is Everything, and I want to thank these finalists and all of our competitors for creating truly better experiences for the seniors we serve.”

The other event finalist was Eric Woodall, executive chef at Danberry at Inverness in Hoover, AL. As the runner-up to the 2023 COTY competition, Woodall will receive a $3,500 prize.

The annual competition celebrates the hospitality and culinary talents of chefs located in senior living communities owned and managed by Life Care Services, An LCS Company. The event was live-streamed for all LCS employees and several communities hosted live watch events for residents and staff to support their chefs participating in the competition.   

Chef Eggert has been in the senior living industry for more than 20 years. She graduated from the world-renowned Le Cordon Blue culinary program and also worked in the hotel hospitality industry early in her career.

Chef of the Year finalists were selected by a steering committee that reviewed applicant recipes, plated dishes, and videos highlighting work in their respective communities. The other Chef of the Year competitors included:

• Robert Mueller – Timber Ridge at Talus, Issaquah, WA
• Rob Silkey – Trillium Woods, Plymouth, MN
• Charles Williams Jr. – Freedom Pointe at the Villages, The Villages, FL