Welcome back! Thanks for joining me as we dive into Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2 finale. Last time, Gordon Ramsay sent Liz Aust home, while Lisa Vanderpump said goodbye to Nicholas Ducos.
This week’s finale episode, “Final: Pitch Perfect” presents the entrepreneurs with their most daunting and creative challenge yet. Here’s everything you need to know about Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2 finale!
The contestants will flex their creativity
Roman, Erica, Ali, Andrew, and Jess were still at The Grilling when Lisa and Gordon revealed their next challenge. After another brutal double elimination, the final five were prepared to give it their all.
And this challenge was a doozy. They will each create the branding, concept, and packaging for a new product, along with a campaign for social media. However, the categories that the group must focus on are pet food, non-alcoholic drinks, spirits, and breakfast items.
The entrepreneurs have 36 hours to finish their campaign. After Gordon and Lisa watch their presentations, they will select the final three entrepreneurs who will advance to the finale. With this challenge, Lisa and Gordon were testing the competitors’ natural business instincts.
Picking a category
Next, the group met up with Lisa and Gordon at “an innovation hub” to get their creative juices flowing. The contestants could test flavor combinations and look at packaging ideas. This challenge is a real test of the entrepreneur’s ability to be unique and creative.
Andrew decided that non-alcoholic beverages that looked like cocktails would be his category. He came up with a drink that was a replacement for alcohol and had health benefits. It contained a prebiotic that used a mate extract to give a caffeine boost.
But Jess decided to stay in the spirit category, thinking of a resealable cocktail that you can take on the go. She thought that if they came like popsicles, you could rip open the top but then reseal it and pop it in your purse or pocket.
As for Erica, she also decided to go with the non-alcoholic category. She wanted to design a drink pack with three different flavors. Meanwhile, Ali was working on a dog whiskey that was healthy for pups. She felt emotional because she wanted to win so badly.
And finally, Roman’s product was a “fluffy pancake” that would have sausage, eggs, cheese, and a dash of maple syrup. This breakfast treat could be put in the microwave and grabbed on the go.
Gordon and Lisa discuss the contestants
The group sat down at the location where they would present their campaign. And there was a box for each one, containing their products. Everyone’s products looked great, so no one felt comfortable about nailing a spot in the finale. Next up, the group filmed social media ads for the products.
Meanwhile, Gordon and Lisa discussed the semi-finalists. Gordon touted Ali’s driving ambition. Then Gordon called Andrew “a hustler” and “brilliant.” Then Lisa stated that she had “a lot of respect” for Erica. But Lisa called Jess “her shining star.” Lastly, the duo discussed Roman. Lisa felt that Roman’s age caused him to be “underestimated.” Gordon agreed that Roman had been “peaking” at the right time.
The presentations begin
Jess was first with her three-minute presentation for Sip Strips. She was nervous about this one and flubbed her lines. After the presentation, Gordon felt the product was difficult to maneuver. Lisa noted that the product still needed a lot of work. Still, Gordon liked the flavors but wanted them to be more “discreet” and sleeker.
Then Roman’s breakfast product, Happy Risers, was served. Gordon laughed at the slogan, “The pancake handshake” and the name Happy Riser. Oh, my! Lisa and Gordon tasted a sample. Gordon said it tasted “decent” but didn’t see how it would stand out in a competitive market. In the end, both Gordon and Lisa liked it but felt it needed some work. And they felt the brand name needed to change.
Ali debuted her Woofskey Shots next. The nutrient shots for dogs featured four flavors, but Ali’s favorite was the smoky bacon. Gordon tasted it but Lisa refused. But there was a high-profit margin, and both Gordon and Lisa were impressed by Ali’s product and her pitch. But the business titans weren’t fans of the packaging.
The last two contestants pitch their product
Next up was Erica and her product, EEEZI. This product was an artisanal beverage line that contained zero alcohol and was sold in a multi-pack which included the flavors espresso martini, passionfruit, and lychee kombucha.
Lisa thought her social media video was too long, but she liked the branding. When Gordon asked for the caloric count for each can, Erica didn’t know the answer. Gordon estimated it was 250 calories. After she left, Gordon and the Vanderpump Rules star questioned why she wanted to see a three-pack as opposed to one can.
Afterward, Erica felt very uneasy. She had a headache, was shaking, and was sweating. A medic brought her to a quiet area to rest.
Finally, Andrew made his pitch for Mocksy, his non-alcoholic drink. First, Gordon questioned Andrew’s mark-up figures. Then both Lisa and Gordon were confused by who Andrew’s target market was. They felt that he needed to pick either the health lane or the mocktail lane. Finally, Gordon and Lisa thought that Andrew’s social media presentation wasn’t buzz-worthy. Afterward, Gordon stated that none of the contestants “nailed it” with their presentations.
The Final Grilling
The group met again for The Final Grilling. Thankfully, Erica was feeling better.
Lisa was let down that Jess didn’t challenge herself more. When Gordon asked why she flubbed her presentation, she said that she was so focused on the concept that she didn’t see the bigger picture.
Next, Gordon asked Andrew why he didn’t target his mocktail just for the health lane. But Andrew felt confident in his product. When Lisa and Gordon came to Roman, they asked him why his product would stand out, and teased him about the company name.
Then it was Ali’s turn in the hot seat. She was criticized for her social media message sounding like the pet that was featured was going to die soon. Oof. Not exactly a positive spin.
Finally, Lisa complimented Erica for taking a chance with her product. However, Gordon didn’t like her resistance to selling individual cans instead of packs.
It was finally time for Gordon and Lisa to select one contestant to promote to the finale. Lisa picked Roman, while Gordon selected Ali. The final spot would be given to a contestant that Gordon and Lisa both agreed on. And the duo decided to send Jess to the finale.
The final challenge
For the final challenge, the trio will pitch their businesses live in front of a room filled with experts from the beverage and food industry. Oh, and they are hitting the stage the following night. Yikes! No pressure!
Gordon and Lisa pointed out areas of each business that could be improved. Jess needed to think of ways to diversify her brand, while Ali needed to be more front and center in promoting her business on social media. And Roman needed to expand his business beyond Florida. Each contestant will have a consultant to help them, and they will need to demonstrate in their pitch what they learned during this business boot camp.
Of course, three previous contestants will be aiding them during this final challenge. I love it when the band gets back together!
Jess was paired up with Erica. They decided to focus on developing a sorbet. Their consultant is Julie Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Ruby Violet. She excels at creating boozy iced desserts. Jess decided on lychee paired with rosé wine. When Lisa stopped by, she liked the flavor. During a chat, Lisa urged Jess to be herself. All Jess wanted was to make her mom proud because she had sacrificed so much to support Jess. Still, Lisa stressed that she doesn’t need to be perfectly polished.
Next, Andrew assisted Roman with his seasoned pretzel bites. George Rice, who is the Managing Director of Serious Pig, will be helping out Roman. Lisa chatted with Roman, who was feeling the pressure. She advised him to behave like an expert in his product while he pitches his product, and be confident.
As for Ali? She will be assisted by Liz. Their consultant is Olivia Tiedemann, who is a content creator and chef. She will help Ali improve her social media presence. Gordon popped in and took Ali aside. She told him that her mom, who sadly passed away, went to school in London. The two had planned a trip to London, but it was not to be. Gordon told Ali to show her personality and be feisty.
Day Two
Before the presentation for the experts, Lisa and Gordon watched the pitches and gave feedback. First up was Roman. They advised him to walk on the stage and connect with the spectators. When Roman’s mom arrived, he was shocked.
Then Ali came up and didn’t introduce herself, so Gordon corrected her. Then, Ali turned to see her best friend, Keri, there to support her. And she brought a video message from Ali’s brother. It was an emotional moment.
Finally, Lisa and Gordon urged Jess to act naturally. Lisa suggested that she tell the story about how she had to move back in with her mom to start Whiny Baby. When Jess turned around, her mom was there. Not only was Jess crying, but so were Lisa and Gordon.
Then it was time for the presentations. Here we go!
The pitch of their lives
Roman calmly and confidently presented Hot Box Pretzel Bites. He even gave some advice to young entrepreneurs. He did a fantastic job, and now I’m craving these pretzels!
Next, Ali presented her company, Chin Dribblin’ Asian-Fusion Sauces. Ali seemed confident and let her personality and humor shine. She talked about the loss of her mom with the audience. Then Ali debuted her new digital cookbook with her front and center in the videos. It was a fun presentation.
Finally, Jess shared that in 2020, her stepdad became ill and passed away. She explained how she moved back in with her mom to start Whiny Baby, and how the family bonded over meals and wine at the end of the day. Then she introduced the Whiny Baby Meltdown Rosé Sorbet. Another fantastic pitch from Jess.
All three contestants did an incredible job, and Lisa and Gordon needed to consider each entrepreneur’s performance during the entire competition. And then it was time for Gordon and Lisa to meet the final three competitors onstage to announce the winner.
Who is America’s Next Food Star?
Jess Druey is the winner!
America’s Next Food Star, and the winner of the $250,000 prize, is Jess! Gordon asked Jess to say a few words. “This has been, I think we all would agree, the most life-changing journey and I want to thank both of you for your mentorship. Truly. And I want you guys to know that yes, $250,000 is life-changing for me and Whiny Baby,” Jess said. “But I also view this as a great responsibility to go and do big things and I hope I make you proud.”
Lisa responded, “Oh, you do!” And Lisa didn’t miss her chance to remind Gordon that Jess was from Team Vanderpump, so Lisa also won. Take that, Gordon!
In her final confessional, glass of champagne in hand, Jess remarked, “I’m America’s Food Star! Am I? I am! That’s like crazy!” she stated. “And I won with my mom there. It doesn’t get better than that.”
Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars is streaming on FOX Nation and Hulu.
TELL US – DID YOU ENJOY SEASON 2 OF GORDON RAMSAY’S FOOD STARS? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE FINALE? DID THE RIGHT CONTESTANT WIN?
