Kelsey Barnard Clark is a born and raised Gulf Southerner from Dothan, Alabama. She has developed an impressive resume including being the fifth woman and first southerner to win the title of Top Chef and was also voted fan favorite following her season 16 win.

Kelsey got her start in the food industry working for a high-end caterer and catered her first solo wedding at age 15. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, she worked savory & pastry in several Michelin-star restaurants in New York City, including Café Boulud under Gavin Kaysen, and Dovetail under John Fraser. Her signature southern-French cuisine is inspired by family recipes and classic French techniques.

In 2012 Kelsey moved back home to open her catering company, Kelsey Barnard Catering. Today, she runs her catering company and restaurant, KBC, in historic downtown Dothan while also teaching virtual classes, taking her chef talents on the road, and appearing and cooking at events as often as possible.

She has a book coming out this fall and a new restaurant concept in the works. She lives in Dothan with her husband and two children, Monroe and Evelyn June. Kelsey and her family enjoy tending to their backyard garden and chicken coop and crabbing and boating from their beach bungalow on the weekends. Kelsey shares her passion for cooking, teaching, and hospitality on her instagram @kelseybarnardclark.