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Diamond Chef Arkansas 2025 returns with a full house, delighted attendees

Close to 500 people gathered together on Thursday, April 3, at UA-PTC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute to watch six student teams mentored by former Diamond Chef winners compete for the title of Diamond Chef 2025.

UA-PTC Foundation extends a warm thank you to the guests, sponsors, friends and supporters that made possible a successful Diamond Chef Arkansas, presented by Linda and Rush Harding!

For the first time, UA - Pulaski Technical College honored outstanding professionals in the culinary and hospitality fields.

The individuals honored were: Titus Holly, Chef at Holly Smokes and The Pantry, Best in Culinary; Emily Gray, Chicken Salad Chick owner, Community Impact; and Veo Tyson, Country Club of Little Rock, Best in Hospitality.

Brood & Barley Bar, Cache Restaurant, Catering Arkansas, Ciao Baci, Cypress Social, Heritage Catering, Red Oak at Saracen, Scoops Homemade Ice Cream, SO Restaurant + Bar, Table 28, The Buttered Biscuit, The Grumpy Rabbit and UA-PTC baking students hosted tasting stations for guests.

Chef Dan Capello mentored students Karrington Cuningkin, Tyler Hobbs and Michael Stout; Chef Jordan Davis mentored students Austin Robinson and Twanisha-Killian Graham; Chef Donnie Ferneau Jr. mentored students Alyssa Frisby and Kenneth Knowlton; Chef Jason Knapp mentored students Kathleen Rollings and Cassidy Perry; Chef Andre Poirot mentored students Jackson Hausand Cierra Miller and Chef Mary Beth Ringold mentored students Sarah King and Andrew Geisler.

Event chairs Leah and Chef Payne Harding announced Team Ferneau as the Diamond Chef 2025 winning team and SO Restaurant + Bar as the Toast of the Tastings restaurant. Judges for Diamond Chef were Chef Suzanne Campbell, Chef Ken Dempsey, Chef Jennifer Maune and Mighty Rib blogger Kevin Shalin.

“We are grateful to the many volunteers who helped to bring back Diamond Chef this year,” Melissa Hendricks, vice chancellor for advancement, said.

Funds raised from Diamond Chef Arkansas will be invested in scholarships and student success initiatives as well as needs for the culinary program.

Mark your calendar for April 16, 2026, for Diamond Chef Arkansas!

Pictured, from left: Diamond Chef 2025 winners Kenneth Knowlton, Alyssa Frisby, Chef Donnie Ferneau Jr., with sponsors Chef Payne Harding and Leah Harding