Could a Tri-Cities, WA restaurant owner be Gordon Ramsay’s next ‘Food Star’?
Kagen Coffee & Crepes has been selected to compete this spring on Gordon Ramsay’s “Food Stars” program.
Kagen Cox confirmed the news in posts to Facebook and Instagram: “I did a thing.”
The Fox program debuts May 24 and features food and drink industry leaders competing for a $250,000 investment by Gordon Ramsay.
Variety magazine, citing Fox, describes the program as a weekly challenge that calls on the aspiring moguls to create, market and sell to real customers. Their progress is evaluated by guest judges.
“As Ramsay pushes contestants to their limits, they’ll have to prove they possess the raw ingredients required to succeed — drive, dedication, creativity, passion and talent,” it said.
Cox is the only contestant from Washington state. Most of the 15 are from California. Others are from New York, Illinois and North Carolina.
Jennifer and Kagen Cox opened the Richland restaurant at 270 Williams Blvd. in the Uptown Shopping Center on Oct. 16, 2016, after encountering crepes on a date in Edmonton, Alberta.
Crepe-hunting became a hobby after they married, started a family and settled in the Tri-Cities, where Kagen worked for BNSF Railway.
The business was a labor of love, launched in the vacant Golden Croissant spot. At first, he was chiefly interested in operating a coffee shop.
They expanded into a creperie as well, using a loan backed by Kagen Cox’s 401(k) plan and with support from friends.
The restaurant was an instant success, fueled by social media that brought 400 customers in on the first day.
The restaurant is open seven days a week.
Kagen’s voice mail was full Friday after he posted about his new adventure.
This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 10:17 AM.