Chef Justin Tootla Wiki, Age, Partner, Top Chef, Indian, Parents
Justin Tootla Biography – Justin Tootla Wiki
Justin Tootla is an American professional chef and contestant on Top Chef 2026 on Bravo. Born just outside of Detroit, Justin learned about his Indian culinary heritage from his father and aunts, spending most of his childhood watching them cook or joining in.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, he spent several years traveling across the country and internationally as an outdoor instructor. Realizing his passion for cooking, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, where he met his life partner, Jennifer Lee Jackson.
After graduating, Justin completed a six-month externship at three-star Michelin restaurant Le Bernardin. He spent the next decade traveling across the country, working at various restaurants, including Restaurant Kelly Liken, a AAA Four Diamond in Colorado under “Top Chef” finalist Kelly Liken and Eva in Los Angeles, before returning to the Midwest for his first Executive Chef position at Thank You Chinese and Lost Lake.
In 2017, Justin and Jennifer opened Voyager, a seafood-forward restaurant that garnered spots on the Best New Restaurant lists of Food & Wine, Esquire, Eater and Thrillist. In 2020, they opened Bunny Bunny, celebrating Justin’s Indian heritage and Jen’s southern roots, and received matching accolades despite the difficulty of the pandemic.
Justin and Jennifer were in 2021’s notable list of Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Food Fighters. They recently finished their work with Gilchrist Farm Winery, where they focused on creating farm-to-table menus and are currently traveling and consulting while dreaming of a Bunny Bunny revival.
Justin Tootla Age
Justin Tootla was born in 1982 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He is 44 years old.
Justin Tootla Partner
Justin Tootla and his partner, Georgia native Jennifer Jackson, live in Detroit, MI. The couple met and fell in love in culinary school. Jennifer is also a chef and fellow cheftestant on Top Chef Season 23.
Top Chef Justin Tootla
Justin Tootla is competing on season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef. Host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons venture south to the Carolinas! Season 23 is centered in the emerging and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, N.C., with several episodes in Greenville, S.C.
In the series, 15 rising star chefs compete in the ultimate culinary showdown for a chance to win the $250,000 grand prize, along with some other major perks, including a feature in Food & Wine magazine, an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a chance to headline their own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York, and the opportunity to present at The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, IL.
Along the way, the chefs will also have the chance to win immunity, advantages in the competition, or cash prizes with more than $150,000 in total up for grabs.
Ethnicity
Justin is of Indian heritage.
