Local community invited to experience live culinary competition
LEXINGTON, KY — April 7, 2026 — The stage is set, the ingredients are ready, and the chefs are prepared to bring their best as Morning Pointe Senior Living hosts Round 2: Regional Selection of its 2026 Top Chef Challenge tomorrow, April 8, at Morning Pointe of Lexington Assisted Living.
Three standout Food Service Directors will take the spotlight after advancing from the first round of competition: Chris Stratton of Danville Assisted Living, Kevin Horner of Lexington Assisted Living, and Lauren VanHooser of Richmond Assisted Living. Each earned their place after residents sampled and voted on their favorite scratch-made dishes.
Now, they will compete live for a spot in the finals, showcasing not only their culinary skills but also their passion for creating meaningful dining experiences for seniors.
The Morning Pointe Senior Living Top Chef Challenge is a multi-round competition that highlights the creativity, heart, and dedication behind the organization’s dining teams. Each dish will be judged by a panel of culinary professionals and local food enthusiasts on criteria including taste and texture, presentation and creativity, nutrition and balance, resident appeal, cost and feasibility, and overall professionalism.
This year’s judges include Kris Wilson of Gordon Food Service, Kyla “Sissy” Collins, a baker and chef featured on the Food Network, and Rob Bolson, a published food and culture writer. Each brings a unique perspective to the competition, combining industry knowledge with a passion for great food and storytelling.
“At Morning Pointe, dining is about more than just preparing meals. It’s about creating experiences that residents look forward to each day,” said Justin Leiter, Director of Dining Operations for Morning Pointe Senior Living. “This competition is a chance for our Food Service Directors to showcase their talent, creativity, and dedication in a fun and meaningful way.”
Executive Director Chase Williams of Morning Pointe of Lexington Assisted Living encourages the public to attend and experience the excitement firsthand.
“This is happening tomorrow, and we would love for the community to come be part of it,” said Williams. “It’s a fun, high-energy event and a great way to see the heart behind what we do every day. Come enjoy the atmosphere, meet our team, and experience the creativity of our chefs.”
The event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a live culinary showdown while learning more about senior living.
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.
