Chef Jacob Rios of Union New American rose to the challenge of the high-stakes kitchen of Food Network’s Chopped, and it paid off. After an intense competition that tested his speed, creativity and resilience, Rios emerged as the Chopped champion, securing the coveted title on the episode that aired on February 18.
“It’s still surreal to say it—I won Chopped,” Rios says. “This journey has been a long time coming and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level.”
Rios says he has long dreamed of competing on the show.
“When I first found out I’d been selected, I was absolutely over the moon,” he says. “It was a mix of excitement and disbelief. I’ve watched Chopped for years, so stepping into that kitchen felt both surreal and like the biggest challenge of my career.”
To prepare, Rios pushed himself beyond his usual routine, practicing under tight time constraints and forcing himself to think fast—just like he would need to in the competition.
“What really surprised me was how different it feels when you’re actually there. You think you’re prepared but when the clock is ticking and those cameras are rolling, it’s a whole different ball game,” he says. “The energy and focus required were beyond anything I’d experienced before.”
Competing on Chopped meant facing off against three other talented chefs and transforming mystery ingredients into restaurant-worthy dishes—all under extreme time pressure.
“Every round brought its own set of hurdles,” Rios says. “You never know what’s going to be in your basket and you have to figure out how to make it work. There was a moment when I almost thought I wouldn’t finish my dish, but I had to dig deep and trust myself.”
That determination paid off, as Rios impressed the judges, ultimately outcooking his competitors to take home the win.
While the win is a personal achievement for Rios, he sees it as a moment of pride for the entire Union New American team.
“This isn’t just about me—it’s about the incredible team we have at Union,” he says. “Competing on Chopped gave me the chance to showcase the kind of food we create every day, and this win is a reflection of the passion and dedication we bring to the table.”
Union New American took to social media to celebrate, writing, “We are beyond proud of all his hard work. In case you missed it, our executive chef, Jacob Rios, brought home the win on the latest episode of Chopped!”
For Rios, winning Chopped is just the beginning. He hopes his journey inspires others in the culinary world to push their boundaries and embrace high-pressure challenges.
“I want people to see the grit and passion that goes into cooking under pressure,” he says. “This competition pushed me to my limits, but it also reminded me why I love what I do.”