Regional winner advances to finals after live culinary showdown
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — April 23, 2026 — The Cumberland Nashville-area region took center stage as the Morning Pointe Senior Living Top Chef Challenge continued, bringing together some of the area’s most talented culinary leaders for an evening of live competition, creativity, and standout flavor.
Hosted at Morning Pointe of Brentwood Assisted Living and Memory Care, the Regional Round II competition featured top Food Service Directors who advanced through Round I, where residents and regional leaders cast their votes to determine the finalists.
After a lively cook-off in front of residents, guests, and a panel of distinguished culinary judges, Caletta Alsup, Food Service Director at Morning Pointe of Brentwood, earned first place with her Chicken Monterey, securing her spot in the final competition. She will compete for the title of Morning Pointe Senior Living Top Chef 2026 on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga.
Second place was awarded to Jamie Rutherford, Food Service Director at Morning Pointe of Spring Hill, for his Mama’s Potato Soup, while Eric Harshfield, Food Service Director at Morning Pointe of Louisville, took third place with his Hawaiian Sliders.
The competition showcased not only culinary skill but also the heart and intention behind each dish. Judges evaluated entries based on taste and texture, presentation and creativity, nutrition and balance, resident appeal, cost and feasibility, and overall professionalism.
A panel of respected culinary professionals served as judges for the evening, including Alex Belew, award-winning chef and Hell’s Kitchen champion; Zachary Fisher, culinary arts instructor at Nashville State Community College; and Jill Melton, founder, editor, and publisher of Edible Nashville.
“This is what makes our dining program so special,” said Justin Leiter, Director of Dining Operations for Morning Pointe Senior Living. “Our Food Service Directors bring passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of what our residents enjoy to every meal, and this competition allows that talent to shine in a big way.”
Events like the Top Chef Challenge offer a behind-the-scenes look at the care, creativity, and dedication that go into dining at Morning Pointe Senior Living communities each day, where meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish both body and spirit.
The road to the finals now leads to Chattanooga, where the region’s top competitors will face off for the ultimate title.
For more information about the dining experience at Morning Pointe Senior Living, visit https://morningpointe.com/life-at-morning-pointe/dining/.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
