Winner of 'Hell's Kitchen' to be named executive chef at Gordon Ramsay's Foxwoods restaurant
Gordon Ramsay's Connecticut restaurant is getting a new executive chef.
Starting on May 1, Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods Resort Casino will be taken over by Kyle Timpson, Season 23 winner of "Hell's Kitchen." In a press release, Foxwoods said appointing Timpson demonstrates the resort's commitment to hiring top culinary talent as a premier dining destination.
"It's been a pleasure to get to know Kyle throughout his time filming 'Hell's Kitchen'at Foxwoods," said Jason Guyot, President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino. "As he steps into this role, we are confident he will bring both exceptional culinary skills and a fresh creative vision to one of our most celebrated dining destinations. We're proud to officially welcome him as a member of the Foxwoods family.'
Here's what to know about the restaurant's new chef.
Originally from Dennis Township, New Jersey, Chef Kyle Timpson is known in the culinary world for his creative, high-energy approach to top-notch food. After graduating from the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, Timpson built up his culinary career in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, gathering over a decade of experience at top-rated restaurants.
During "Hell's Kitchen," Timpson stood out for his consistent performance and leadership, with Gordon Ramsay saying the chef "earned this opportunity through sheer grit, passion, and undeniable talent."
After 16 weeks of tough competition, Timpson emerged victorious, becoming the first openly gay male chef to win the show in the very kitchen that he is about to lead. During Foxwoods' 33rd anniversary celebration in February, Timpson connected with the tribal heritage of Foxwoods, giving him a sense of purpose in his new role.
"I am humbled to start as executive chef at Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods. To be stepping into this role at the venue I gave everything I had to win is absolutely surreal," said Chef Kyle Timpson in a press release. "Foxwoods already feels like home, and I'm excited to not only deliver the high-intensity, high-flavor experience guests expect from Hell's Kitchen, but also to do it in a way that celebrates the local community."
Gordon Ramsay in New England: Gordon Ramsay visited Massachusetts this weekend. Here's what restaurants he visited
A top destination for luxury dining, Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods is known for its open-kitchen concept and signature dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster risotto and beef wellington.
Reservations for Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods can be made online up to 60 days in advance, and the casino warns that the restaurant fills up quickly.
Hours are 4:30-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with additional lunch hours from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday-Sunday. Hell's Kitchen is inside the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino, located at 350 Trolley Line Blvd. in Mashantucket.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Who won 'Hell's Kitchen' season 23? Winner to become chef at Foxwoods
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Patti LuPone controversy, explained: The comments, the backlash, the apology and what's next
Patti LuPone, the legendary and often outspoken three-time Tony Award winner, has found herself at the center of a major controversy following remarks made in a The New Yorker interview published on May 26. Her unfiltered criticism of two fellow Tony winners — Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald — ignited widespread backlash across the Broadway community, sparking conversations about race, privilege, and respect within the theater world. Below is a breakdown of what happened and what's next. The controversy stems from a sound bleed issue between LuPone's production of The Roommate with Mia Farrow and the neighboring theater hosting the Alicia Keys musical Hell's Kitchen. According to LuPone, noise from Hell's Kitchen could be heard from her show. On her stage manager's advice, she reached out to Robert Wankel, head of the Shubert Organization, to resolve the issue. The problem was quickly addressed, and LuPone sent flowers to the Hell's Kitchen crew as a goodwill gesture. More from GoldDerby How 'The Day of the Jackal' producers unlocked their contemporary adaptation of the spy thriller Jacob Elordi reveals personal reason for joining 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North': 'It was something important to me' 'Adolescence' soars past 'Stranger Things' to become Netflix's new No. 2 original show (behind only 'Wednesday') However, that gesture did not land as intended. Lewis took to Instagram at the time to criticize LuPone's actions. In a video post, she described LuPone's approach as 'bullying,' 'racially microaggressive,' and 'rooted in privilege,' pointing out that LuPone had essentially labeled 'a Black show loud.' When asked about Lewis's remarks during the New Yorker interview, LuPone fired back with unfiltered disdain. 'Oh, my God. Here's the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f* she's talking about.' After a quick online search, LuPone said, 'She's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, bitch.' (Note: The New Yorker clarified that Lewis has ten Broadway credits, while LuPone has twenty-eight.) The exchange escalated when the interviewer noted that Broadway icon McDonald had reacted to Lewis's video with supportive emojis. LuPone didn't hold back: 'Exactly,' she said. 'And I thought, You should know better. That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend.' While she hinted at a past falling out with McDonald, she declined to elaborate. When asked by The New Yorker's By Michael Schulman her opinion of McDonald's recent performance in Gypsy, LuPone paused for fifteen seconds before turning to the window and simply saying, 'What a beautiful day.'Four days after the interview was published, the Broadway community responded with a powerful open letter, signed by more than 500 theater professionals. 'Recently, Patti LuPone made deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments about two of Broadway's most respected and beloved artists: Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. In a published interview with The New Yorker, she referred to Kecia Lewis—a Black woman and a 40-year veteran of the American stage—as a 'b***.' This language is not only degrading and misogynistic—it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect. It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment…' The letter went on to call for accountability, not just from LuPone, but from the institutions that support artists in the theater community. It demanded that: Public figures who engage in harassment or use racially or gendered harmful language should not be welcomed at high-profile industry events, including the Tony Awards. Participation in such events should be contingent on accountability measures, including restorative justice and anti-bias training. Institutions must adopt clear policies for addressing harmful behavior, regardless of an individual's responded swiftly. The day after the open letter went public, she issued an apology on social media — a notable moment for a performer known for standing by her words. 'For as long as I have worked in theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today," her note began. "I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community. I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.' She went on to express her support for the open letter: 'I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else. I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.' While LuPone's apology has been acknowledged by some, others question whether it goes far enough — or whether the industry will take concrete steps toward fostering a more inclusive and accountable environment. For now, the controversy remains a flashpoint — not just about one actor's remarks, but about long-standing issues of privilege, race, and respect on Broadway's most prominent stages. All eyes now turn to the Tony Awards this Sunday, a night that honors Broadway's finest but also serves as a reflection of the industry's values. LuPone is not nominated this year, but her presence — or absence — will be closely scrutinized. The open letter explicitly called for individuals who engage in racially harmful behavior to be excluded from high-profile events like the Tonys. Whether LuPone attends — and if the industry responds at the event — could send a strong signal about how seriously these demands are being taken. Beyond the theater world, LuPone has a high-profile role in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along, where she portrays Lilia Calderu, a centuries-old witch and member of Agatha Harkness's coven. The show is a possible Emmy's contender. However, the controversy may complicate LuPone's awards trajectory if backlash continues, it could overshadow her work. That being said, the "Evita" star remains a formidable performer with a loyal fan base. Only time will tell how she navigates her return in the wake of this controversy. Best of GoldDerby 'Maybe Happy Ending' star Darren Criss on his Tony nomination for playing a robot: 'Getting to do this is the true win' Who Needs a Tony to Reach EGOT? Sadie Sink on her character's 'emotional rage' in 'John Proctor Is the Villain' and her reaction to 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Patti LuPone Called Out by Broadway Community in Open Letter Condemning ‘Bullying' & ‘Harassment'
Following Patti LuPone's recent remarks disparaging fellow Broadway actresses Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis, more than 500 members of the Broadway community have signed an open letter calling out the musical theater legend for 'bullying' and 'harassment.' In the message published Friday (May 30) — just a few days after a New Yorker piece quoted LuPone as saying that McDonald was 'not a friend' while calling Cole a 'bi—' for labeling herself a stage 'veteran' — the signatories wrote that the Agatha All Along star's comments were 'degrading and misogynistic,' as well as a 'blatant act of racialized disrespect.' People who signed the letter include Courtney Love, as well as Tony winners James Monroe Iglehart, Maleah Joi Moon and Wendell Pierce. More from Billboard Here's How Audra McDonald Reacted to Patti LuPone Saying She's 'Not a Friend' Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About Her Queerness: 'The More Yourself You Are, The Better Understanding Starts to Happen' The Roots Apologize to Fans After First Day of 2025 Roots Picnic Marred By Long Lines: 'Safety Will Always Be Our Number 1 Priority' 'It constitutes bullying,' the letter continues. 'It constitutes harassment. It is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.' Though the signatories directly urged the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League to disinvite LuPone from the 2025 Tony Awards — as well as other 'industry events' such as 'fundraisers and public programs' — they also insisted that their message was about 'more than one person.' 'It is about a culture. A pattern. A persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior — especially when they are powerful or well-known,' the letter reads. 'This is not about differing opinions. It is about public actions that demean, intimidate, or perpetuate violence against fellow artists. It is about the normalization of harm in an industry that too often protects prestige over people.' Billboard has reached out to LuPone's rep for comment. The letter adds to the online backlash LuPone has been facing since her New Yorker profile went live Monday. In the piece, LuPone reflected on how she once asked Shubert Organization head Robert Wankel to step in after sound from the Alicia Keys-created musical Hell's Kitchen, in which Lewis starred, could be heard during LuPone's performances of The Roommate next door on Broadway. Shortly after LuPone's complaint, Lewis posted an Instagram video labeling the icon's actions as 'bullying,' 'racially microaggressive' and 'rooted in privilege' for calling 'a Black show loud.' 'She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f–k she's talking about,' LuPone told The New Yorker of the situation. 'Don't call yourself a vet, bi—.' As for McDonald, LuPone took issue with the Private Practice star showing support for Lewis in the comments of said Instagram video. 'I thought, You should know better,' LuPone told the publication, noting that there had been an undisclosed 'rift' between the two actresses. 'That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend.' McDonald later responded in an interview with Gayle King, saying she had no idea what 'rift' LuPone was referring to. But while the comments could be regarded as typical for the famously forthright LuPone, the members of the Broadway community who signed Friday's open letter think she crossed a line. 'To publicly attack a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership, and grace … is not simply a personal offense,' their statement reads. 'It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold. 'We cannot continue to welcome back those who harm others simply because of their fame or perceivedvalue,' it concludes. 'This must stop. We will no longer tolerate violence — verbal, emotional, or physical — against artists within our own community. No more free passes. If our industry is truly committed to equity, justice, and respect, then those values must be applied consistently, even when it's uncomfortable.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Here's How Audra McDonald Reacted to Patti LuPone Saying She's ‘Not a Friend'
Audra McDonald has responded to Patti LuPone's recent disses. Shortly after LuPone said that her fellow Broadway legend was 'not a friend,' citing a past 'rift' between them, McDonald told Gayle King for CBS Sunday Morning, 'If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is.' More from Billboard Is Rose from 'Gypsy' the Greatest Role in Broadway History? That's What Tony Awards History Suggests The Amity Affliction Cover Turnstile's 'Holiday' for 'Like a Version' Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of 'The Emancipation of Mimi': Stream It Now 'That's something that you'd have to ask Patti about,' the Private Practice star continued. 'I haven't seen her in about 11 years, just because I've been busy, just with life and stuff. I don't know what rift she's talking about, you'd have to ask her.' McDonald's response comes days after LuPone made her feelings quite clear in a New Yorker profile published Monday (May 26). The subject first came up as LuPone was recalling a kerfuffle with Broadway's Hell's Kitchen, which was located next door to her own Broadway play The Roommate. LuPone had asked Shubert Organization head Robert Wankel to step in after sound from the Alicia Keys-created musical kept bleeding over from their neighbors, after which Hell's Kitchen star Kecia Lewis posted a video on Instagram calling LuPone's actions 'bullying,' 'racially microaggressive' and 'rooted in privilege.' When The New Yorker's Michael Schulman pointed out that McDonald had shown support for Lewis' video in the comments, LuPone replied, 'Exactly.' 'And I thought, You should know better,' LuPone continued at the time. 'That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend.' That's when the publication noted that the two stage icons had previously 'had some long-ago rift,' about which LuPone didn't want to disclose details. When pressed for her review of McDonald's current portrayal of Rose in Gypsy on Broadway — a role LuPone played and won a Tony for in a 2008-09 revival — LuPone simply stared at the writer pointedly for 15 seconds. Watch McDonald address LuPone's remarks below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart