Suvechha Sarkar
When season 4 of Fox’s ‘Next Level Chef’ first premiered, it provided viewers with an impressive lineup of fierce culinary talents. Among the chefs vying for the top spots was Beatrice Heirigs. She was the youngest professional chef of the season, whose precision and innovative dishes quickly set her apart from the rest. Week after week, she delivered incredible performances that never failed to impress the judges. Ultimately, Beatrice’s refined techniques and bold flavour profiles earned her a spot among the top 3 contestants in the grand finale. She finished as one of the runner-ups by consistently showcasing risky moves throughout the competition.
Beatrice Heirigs Has Been Honing Her Culinary Skills Since Her Early Teens
Beatrice Heirigs’ culinary journey is full of passion, persistence, and remarkable growth. In her childhood, she began helping her mother sell handmade candles at the farmers market in Sedona, Arizona. She also helped her with sales when she bought a Beeswax company retail store. However, Beatrice’s love for cooking began when she was just 13 years old. Although she started her professional journey as a Sales Manager at the Golden Hive in December 2016, she took the first official step towards a culinary career in June 2018.
Beatrice was a dishwasher at her mom’s pizza place, Alpine Pizza. Shortly after, Beatrice began working as a part-time Line Cook at the restaurant. However, her journey faced an unexpected hurdle when the pandemic forced her mother’s restaurant to shut down in June 2020. Beatrice joined Karma Sushi Bar and Grill as a Sushi Apprentice in July 2021 at only 15 years of age. There, she honed her knife skills and mastered the delicate art of fish fabrication under the expert guidance. Beatrice moved on from this role in May 2022, and just one month later, she further elevated her experience by joining Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar as a Pantry Cook.
This opportunity allowed Beatrice to explore the world of fine dining, refining her plating techniques and developing a deeper understanding of flavour composition. Soon after, she left her role at the Golden Hive in December of the same year. Around this time, the chef had also been working on and off at a local Synagogue under the guidance of her former sushi teacher. Later, Beatrice got the amazing chance to work under the renowned chef Christian Lowe. Ultimately, she took on the part-time role of a Garmo Chef at Shift Flg in April 2023 and worked there for four months.
Beatrice Has a Culinary Degree and is Building Her Online Presence
In parallel with her work, Beatrice began pursuing formal culinary education at Monroe University. She succeeded in getting a full-ride scholarship from C-CAP. During that time, she attained an externship at the esteemed Jean-Georges Restaurant in May 2024 and served there until January 2025. In March, the chef came across the impressive opportunity to come up with a lesson for Professor Yudel Torres’ Cul 2 Class I TA at the university. Beatrice has also received recognition from her university during her competition on the show. They showcased their appreciation for the talented chef on their social media writing, “We’re cheering you on every step (and every dish) of the way, Beatrice!”
Ultimately, Beatrice earned a Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management and an Associate’s degree in Culinary Science in April. As of writing, she is a Cook at Cactus Wren Restaurant, which is affiliated with the Michelin-starred Sixty Three Clinton. The chef has also been amassing a large fan base on her social media. Over time, her presence on the digital platform has grown, bringing her over 5K followers on Instagram. On the platform, Beatrice shares mouthwatering snapshots of her dishes and behind-the-scenes moments from her culinary adventures. Some of her best dishes include Shrimp Jumbo-laya, Red Prawn Cavatelli, and many more.
Beatrice’s Life Revolves Around Her Family and Love For Culinary Exploration
Beyond her time in the kitchen, Beatrice leads a life filled with meaningful connections, especially with her brother, Ben. The bond between the siblings has been strengthened by years of shared experiences and mutual support for one another. She officially moved out of her dorm and into her own apartment in Manhattan in December 2024. During that time, Ben was right there by her side, helping her move into her new home. His pride was quite evident, which was captured in his touching message that read, “So proud of this one! Spent the week helping lil sis move into her new place in Manhattan. I’m so excited to see what this next chapter has in store for you.” Beatrice also fosters a close relationship with her mother, Tracy. She considers her to be the biggest inspiration and pillar of support in her life.
Friendship is another pillar of Beatrice’s personal life. She shares a deep connection with her best friend, Romie, and regularly expresses his appreciation for her. Whether it’s grabbing lunch, wandering the city streets, or snapping memories, the chef always treasures the moments she shares with her friends. In her free time, the chef loves hopping from restaurant to restaurant in search of new flavors and inspiration. At home, Beatrice enjoys preparing meals for herself, turning her kitchen into a space of comfort. To seek respite, she often finds herself drawn to the serenity of the blue waters of the ocean. One of her most memorable escapes came in June 2023 when she hiked Humphreys Peak in Flagstaff with her friends. Whether it be in the kitchen or on the streets of Manhattan, Beatrice is truly living her best life.
Read More: Next Level Chef Season 4 Episode 13 Recap: Always Crust Your Instincts
