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After winning the latest season of Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” a South Jersey native is preparing to take on his new role as head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

According to the Mashantucket-based resort casino, Kyle Timpson will officially take the helm at the celebrity chef‘s Hell’s Kitchen branded eatery. There, he will oversee a kitchen serving signature dishes from the hit cooking competition series, such as beef wellington, lobster risotto and braised short rib.

Timpson’s triumph is noteworthy because he’s the only winner in the show’s 20-year history named executive chef at the property where their season was filmed. Foxwoods also pointed out that Timpson’s victory was important for the hospitality industry at large because he is the first openly gay male winner of the franchise.

In addition to a job running one of the most high-profile restaurant concepts on the East Coast, Timpson won a $250,000 grand prize during the show’s finale, which aired in February.

A spokesperson for Foxwoods said when contestants win, they receive an offer for a post as head chef at one of Ramsay’s properties, but they do not always take the position. With Timpson formally accepting the role, the resort said he’ll begin May 1.

A native of Dennis Township and graduate of the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, Timpson built his culinary career in New Jersey.

His background includes roles as executive chef at Cold Spring Grange in Cape May, kitchen manager at Tony Beef in Galloway and sous chef at Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May. He later expanded his experience in Philadelphia as chef de cuisine at Moshulu, senior sous chef at the Four Seasons and executive chef at an Italian steakhouse.

‘Feels like home’

The 30-year-old told NJBIZ, “As a kid growing up in New Jersey, I dreamed of making it big in the culinary world — but I never imagined it would lead me here. Taking on the role of executive chef at Hell’s Kitchen Foxwoods is incredibly meaningful to me. To now lead the kitchen where I competed and won, and to do so with the support of a community that already feels like family, is surreal and deeply humbling.”

Timpson also said his decision to lead the kitchen was rooted in more than professional ambition. He noted that the welcoming spirit of the resort owners, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, made him feel deeply connected to the team. It also gave him “a sense of purpose and meaning beyond that of a typical corporate role.”

“Foxwoods already feels like home and I’m excited to not only deliver the high-intensity, high-flavor experience guests expect from Hell’s Kitchen, but also to do it in a way that celebrates the local community,” he said.

While competing on “Hell’s Kitchen,” Timpson stood out for his consistent performance, leadership, creativity and high energy approach. In a statement, Ramsay praised him for his “sheer grit, passion and undeniable talent.”

The famed chef and restaurateur added, “Watching him grow during Season 23 was inspiring, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to officially welcome him to Hell’s Kitchen at Foxwoods.”

Yes, chef!

After launching a restaurant concept inspired by the show in 2018, Ramsay has grown the brand to seven spots across the U.S.

Along with design elements from Hell’s Kitchen – including an open-kitchen concept that offers diners a glimpse of the action – the eateries feature a menu of dishes that are staples on the show, like pan-seared scallops, lobster risotto and sticky toffee pudding.

Since opening in Summer 2023, the Foxwoods’ outpost has served as the filming location for seasons 23 and 24.

Foxwoods President and CEO Jason Guyo said he’s proud to welcome Timpson to the team.

“It’s been a pleasure to get to know Kyle throughout his time filming Hell’s Kitchen at Foxwoods. As he steps into this role, we are confident he will bring both exceptional culinary skills and a fresh creative vision to one of our most celebrated dining destinations,” Guyo said.

Timpson joins Foxwoods at a time when the resort is working to redefine what luxury dining looks like outside of traditional cities.

With high-profile chefs increasingly opting for destination resorts over big cities, Foxwoods is focused on investing in immersive dining concepts that balance star power with substance. Fine dining options at the property include James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Schlow’s Alta Strada as well as a steakhouse developed by New Jersey restaurateur David Burke. Casual places to grab a bite range from Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar to Hard Rock Café to Johnny Rockets, Topgolf Swing Suite and Wahlburgers.