Chef de Cuisine Collin Hilton Crowned 2025 World Food Champion
Cunningham Restaurant Group's Corporate Chef de Cuisine, Collin Hilton, has been crowned the 2025 World Food Champion, securing a $150,000 grand prize in one of the culinary world's most prestigious competitions.
Competing against more than 1,200 chefs from 40 countries, Hilton's journey to the championship showcased his mastery of culinary innovation through three challenging rounds:
Retail Gourmet Challenge – Second place overall
Taste & Recreate Challenge – First place
Final Table: My Culinary Journey – First place and World Food Champion title
Award-Winning Chef's Masterpiece
Collin Hilton impressed the judges in the final round with his sophisticated approach to modern cuisine: Spring Pea Cappellacci in Chicken Broth with Recado Negro, Sugar Snap Pea, and Cashew Salsa Macha with Meyer Lemon.
This meticulously crafted dish featured hand-rolled pasta dough infused with seaweed and basil, filled with English pea and butter, and served in a layered chicken broth infused with charred Guajillo and morita chilies. A finishing touch of coriander sprout, mint, and lemon gem balanced the dish’s depth with brightness and texture.
"We are immensely proud of Collin and this well-deserved recognition," said Mike Cunningham, Owner and CEO of Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG). "His victory among such elite competition reflects the dedication to excellence that defines our organization."
Upon accepting the award, Hilton expressed gratitude to the judges: "I appreciate all of your feedback, all the criticism, all of the praise... it's not lost on any of us."
Supporting Hilton throughout the competition were CRG culinary team members Joni Manes and Kristi Feichtinger, whose contributions proved invaluable to his success.
About the World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is one of the most prestigious food competitions in the world, bringing together elite chefs and home cooks to compete across twelve culinary categories, including Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Noodle, Seafood and more. With over 1,200 chefs competing and contenders from nearly 40 countries, WFC represents the pinnacle of food sport. After winning their respective categories, competitors advance to The Final Table, where they battle for the grand prize and the ultimate honor of being crowned World Food Champion.
Experience Award-Winning Cuisine
Diners can experience Chef Collin Hilton’s award-winning approach to cuisine firsthand by dining at Cunningham Restaurant Group locations across the Midwest. From refined fine dining to casual favorites, CRG continues to showcase the passion and creativity of its chefs.
Additionally, the World Food Championships will return to Indianapolis this fall, offering a front-row seat to world-class culinary competition right in CRG’s hometown.
For competition highlights and behind-the-scenes footage hosted by Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy, visit World Food Championships TV.
Complete results from the 2025 Final Table are available at worldfoodchampionships.com.