Chef Michelle Francis, known for her commanding presence and heartfelt cooking on the competition show Yes Chef!, sat down to share insights into her culinary roots, leadership journey, and future aspirations. From Greek kitchens to national television, Michelle Francis continues to draw inspiration from tradition while forging her path in the food world.
A Taste of Home
When asked about the role of Greek cuisine in her life, Francis lit up with fond memories.
“If you open up the freezer in any Greek household, there’s always phyllo dough,” Michelle Francis said, laughing. “Everyone would come over and ask, ‘What is that?’ and I’d have to explain it.”
Staples like kalamata olives, lamb, seafood, and octopus were constants in her childhood kitchen, along with one ingredient that she still keeps stocked at all times—olive oil.
“It’s the one I keep all the time,” she added. “Bright, flavorful olive oil brings everything together.”
Leading Under Pressure
Francis was chosen to lead the red team in the first episode of Yes Chef!, a role that tested Michelle Francis’s leadership style and personal resolve. Known on the show for her determination—and, at times, her stubbornness—Francis embraced the challenge.
“I think it helped me make good decisions,” she said. “One chef wanted to fry some chorizo skin and put it on top of the dish, and I just said, ‘No, we’re not doing that.’ I wanted to streamline things.”
Her mantra throughout the competition was simple: keep the dishes clean, hot, and beautiful. That philosophy helped carry her team to victory—and earned Michelle Francis the title of Most Valuable Chef.
Leadership Through Trust
Reflecting on that recognition, Francis credited her success to trust and intuition. “I went by the vibe of the people,” she said. “I knew their history, who they’d cooked with. I let them shine on their own and leaned back a little to watch—and taste—everything.”
Francis believes the best leaders don’t seek the spotlight but rather create space for others to thrive. “Everybody wants to shine,” she said. “But if you’re a good leader, you let your team shine before yourself. Collaboration and communication are key.”
A Personal Breakthrough
Yes Chef! Marked Francis’s first-ever cooking competition, and Michelle Francis acknowledged the emotional intensity of the experience.
“I had the Katsuji come at me—not once, but twice!” she joked, referring to a high-strung fellow competitor.
“If I could stand up against him, I could probably stand up against anybody.”
The challenge gave Michelle Francis a newfound sense of strength and confidence.
A Culinary Dream on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Francis has no shortage of dream projects. Chief among them is combining her love of food and pickleball in a unique travel experience.
“I want to open a villa where people come to learn pickleball, and I cook for them,” she said. “Then bring in guest chefs, source great products from local markets, and tour top restaurants. Whether it’s in Italy, France, wherever—I want to create something unforgettable.”
While she admits she’s still working on the logistics, Francis remains undeterred.
“I’ve got a dollar and a dream,” Michelle Francis said with a smile. “So we’ll see.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With a deep respect for tradition, a clear vision for collaboration, and an unshakable belief in herself, Chef Michelle Francis is carving out a space in the culinary world that’s entirely her own. Whether Michelle Francis is leading a team in a competition or dreaming up her next global food adventure, one thing is sure: she’s just getting started.
What's Your Reaction?
