Excitement is building in Chattanooga as Morning Pointe Senior Living’s 2026 Top Chef Challenge Regional Round 2 kicks off this Wednesday.

The live cook-off will take place on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga and is open to the public.

The Morning Pointe Senior Living Top Chef Challenge is a multi-round culinary competition that celebrates the creativity, skill and heart behind the organization’s dining teams. In this next round, top-performing Food Service Directors from across the region will compete for a coveted spot in the 2026 finals.

“This event is always a highlight because it brings together creativity, passion, and purpose,” said Justin Leiter, director of Dining Operations for Morning Pointe Senior Living.

“Our food service directors don’t just cook. They create meaningful dining experiences that our residents look forward to every day. The Top Chef Challenge gives us a chance to celebrate that in a really special way.”

Competing in the Chattanooga regional round are:

- Brittany Brown, Morning Pointe at Happy Valley Assisted Living - food service director;

- Jeff Kick, Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living - food service director; and

- Andrew Tredway, The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, East Hamilton - food service director.

Dishes will be judged by a panel of respected culinary and food professionals, including:

- Anne Braly, food writer for the Chattanooga Times Free Press and columnist for the Lookout Mountain Mirror;

- Jason Forker, director of Culinary Arts at Chattanooga State Community College; and

- Marcus Garner, chef and co-owner of Winedown Bistro.

Each dish will be evaluated on taste and texture, presentation and creativity, nutrition and balance, resident appeal, cost and feasibility, story and inspiration, and cleanliness and professionalism.

More than a competition, the event offers a closer look at the scratch cooking and thoughtful dining experiences residents enjoy every day at Morning Pointe Senior Living communities.

Guests are invited to attend, cheer on their regional culinary champions and experience firsthand the talent behind Morning Pointe dining.

Morning Pointe of Chattanooga Assisted Living is located at 7719 Shallowford Road in Chattanooga.