Former Martha’s Vineyard Chef to Compete in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

Chef Jayden Canady is excited to showcase his culinary talents developed in Massachusetts and Martha's Vineyard on the upcoming season of Hell's Kitchen: Battle Of The States, premiering on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Born in Texas and raised in Milwaukee, Canady has a rich family cooking background. He grew up preparing meals with his grandfather and credits this early experience with fostering his love for cooking.

Canady trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He worked at the Atlantic Fish & Chop House in Edgartown from 2019 to 2024. His said his culinary journey was significantly shaped by his time in Martha's Vineyard, where access to fresh seafood and local produce influenced his culinary style.

Hell's Kitchen won't be the first time that Canady has competed on a reality cooking show. He previously appeared on Chopped in 2022 and was approached to join Hell's Kitchen. Filming for the show was completed last year, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay serving as the strict yet supportive mentor.

Representing Massachusetts on Hell's Kitchen is especially meaningful to Canady. “What really touches my heart when it comes to Massachusetts is how I can mix my Creole/Cajun background with some of the seafood and the fresh seafood options that are on the Island,” he said in a statement shared with The Vineyard Gazette.

Canady is currently based in Los Angeles and recently opened his own restaurant, Idyllwild Tavern, earlier this summer. He credits his time on Martha's Vineyard for preparing him for this new experience in the restaurant world.

Canady added that he is looking forward to having his fans watch the show.

“It was the most amazing experience I've ever had,” he said to The Vineyard Gazette. “I'm super excited for everyone to watch it and just see me represent Massachusetts.”