Life & Work with Tregaye Wright of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tregaye Wright.

Hi Tregaye, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a deep love for food, culture, and storytelling, which led me to pursue formal culinary training as a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. From the very beginning, I understood that I wanted my career to extend beyond the kitchen — I wanted to inspire, educate, and create representation in spaces where it was often missing.

That vision became reality when I made history as the only African-American woman to ever win Food Network Star, winning Season 12. That moment opened the door to opportunities that allowed me to share my voice on a much larger platform. I went on to star in my first food television series, Tregaye’s Way, on the Oprah Winfrey Network, which now also airs on Amazon Prime.

Since then, I’ve had the honor of hosting and appearing in numerous television projects, including Cakealikes on Food Network, Tregaye’s Way powered by OWN on Discovery+, and Countdown to Delicious, which is currently airing on Vizio TV and YouTube TV. I’ve also served as a judge on several major culinary competition shows, including Guy’s Grocery Games, Cutthroat Kitchen, Food Network Star Kids, Grill It! A Victory, and more.

Beyond television, I am the author of my cookbook, Kitchen Conversations with Chef Tregaye, available on Amazon, where I share not only recipes but the stories and experiences that shape my approach to food and life.

Today, I am a co-owner, Executive Chef, and Director of Catering and Events at Auburn Angel in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside my business partners Asa Fain and Robert Butts. Through Auburn Angel, I focus on elevated comfort food, community-centered hospitality, and creating spaces where people feel seen and celebrated.

Above all, I am proud to be a wife and mother of two, roles that ground me and continually inspire my work. Every chapter of my journey — from culinary school to television, authorship, and entrepreneurship — is rooted in purpose, perseverance, and passion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road has not always been smooth. Like many women in the culinary world, I’ve faced the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry where I often had to prove myself twice as hard to be taken seriously. I’ve had doors closed in my face, been told I wouldn’t amount to anything, and experienced moments that tested my confidence and resilience.

What carried me through was perseverance and an unwavering belief in myself. Even when others doubted me, I never stopped betting on my own potential. Each obstacle became fuel to push forward, grow stronger, and continue showing up with excellence.

Because there are not many people from where I come from in the rooms I now occupy, I don’t take those spaces lightly. I’m grateful for the journey, and I see it as my responsibility to keep breaking down doors and creating opportunities for others. It is my mission to show young chefs — especially those who may not see themselves represented — that they too can succeed, lead, and redefine what’s possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around Southern food with a modern, creative twist. I’m known for taking flavors people know and love and presenting them in unexpected, elevated ways — blending tradition with innovation. Whether it’s through my restaurant, television work, or catering and events, my goal is always to create food that feels familiar yet exciting and tells a story.

I specialize in Southern fusion cuisine, experiential dining, and using food as a bridge between culture, comfort, and creativity. Beyond the plate, I’m known for my ability to connect with people — teaching, mentoring, and inspiring through food and conversation.

What I’m most proud of is my resilience. I’m proud of the entire journey — from the obstacles to the wins — as well as building my restaurant, sustaining a career in a competitive industry, and doing it all while being present for my family. I’m proud of my ambition, my drive, and my willingness to keep going even when the path wasn’t clear.

What sets me apart is my unshakable belief in my vision. I truly believe that if I commit to something, I will see it through. I live by the idea that you sometimes have to be a little “delusional” to see what others can’t — so I choose to walk in that belief every day. And so far, that belief has taken me exactly where I’m meant to be.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor, relationships grow naturally through consistency and authenticity. Show your passion, do excellent work, and let people see your dedication. You don’t always have to ask for mentorship — sometimes it develops simply by being present, reliable, and eager to learn.

Always be a sponge. Stay curious, stay open, and never assume you know everything. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing. Ask questions, listen more than you speak, and be willing to learn from every room you walk into — whether you’re the most experienced person there or the least.

Seek out people who are doing what you aspire to do and learn from how they move, how they lead, and how they handle challenges. Humility paired

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cheftregaye.com
• Instagram: Cheftregaye
• Facebook: Cheftregaye
• Youtube: Count down to delicious

Image Credits
Treshawn fraser