Kriti Mehrotra
With NBC’s ‘Yes, Chef!’ crossing all expectations of the reality cooking competition genre, we get an original production that can only be described as both delectable and dramatic. That’s because it revolves around a diverse group of pro chefs as they take on a series of challenges to test not just their culinary skills but also their attitudes for a chance at $250,000. Lee Frank was once such individual in season 1, whose passion and determination shone through at every step of the way, resulting in him gradually evolving into a true fan favorite.
Lee Frank’s Unwavering Confidence Took Him to New Heights
Although Lee Frank has always been extremely assured of his abilities as a chef, he agreed to be a part of this series because he has a chip on his shoulder after being overlooked once. While the now professional as well as restaurateur admitted it was in the past, those close to him believed he still held a bit of resentment, only for it to cloud his potential. That’s why his trusted sous chef decided to nominate him, with the 46-year-old agreeing that maybe this would enable him to improve on his self-doubt and prove his mettle to the world.
Therefore, no one could have imagined that Lee would quickly become the contestant to watch out for because while he didn’t always have the best dishes, he had the best perspective. The prime examples of this are in episodes 2, 8, and 9, especially with them showcasing just how confident, kind, and patient he can be even when things aren’t really going his way. Therefore, of course, he managed to not only secure the title of Most Valuable Chef (MVP) once at the end of episode 8 but also made it all the way to the finale with a glowing reputation.
Lee Frank Has Long Been Passionate About the Food Industry
A native of Los Angeles, California, Lee was reportedly a young boy when he first developed a passion for food, only for it to soon evolve into a love for the entire fast-paced industry. In fact, he was merely 15 when he kick-started his career by flipping burgers at a roadside shack before moving on to griddling hot dogs in a San Fernando Valley hole-in-the-wall just a year later. From there, the ambitious youngster chose to undergo formal training after graduating from high school, which is precisely what he did while also finding a mentor in Jason Miller. According to records, Lee worked under his chef mentor at Moose’s in San Francisco and Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur before the latter decided to return to his homeland of New England.
Thus, he carried his passion for all-American cuisine all by himself under different establishments for a few years, just to then suddenly get a call from Jason about an opportunity. Since the renowned chef was taking over Bonta Restaurant in Hampton, New Hampshire, he asked his protégé if he would relocate to be his sous chef, to which the latter swiftly agreed. Little did Lee know that Jason would leave less than two years later, only for it to be a blessing in disguise as new owner Houssam Aboukhater ended up promoting him to Executive Chef. He served there until 2009 when he was appointed to a position at Ogunquit, following which he worked as the Chef de Cuisine at MC Perkins Cove and Executive Chef at Arrows. A few years later, this community enthusiast parted ways with the latter eatery to join Anneke Jans in Maine, only to be offered a space for his own restaurant by pure chance.
Lee Frank is Living His Best Life as a Family Man and Restaurateur
As per Lee’s own accounts, he was contacted by the owners of an inn by the bandstand in Exeter, New Hampshire, after they had heard his dream of one day running his own food business. This was an opening unlike any other, so he decided to take the leap of faith even though his wife was pregnant with their second child at the time and they undoubtedly needed stability. He had no idea his seafood-based Otis restaurant would go on to become one of the best in the area – it is a small place with just 28 seats, but the quality of food is unlike any other.
Since then, though, Lee has expanded his wings and is now also the proud owner-operator of his own classic all-American burger as well as hot dog joint — it is appropriately named Lee Frank’s. This establishment currently has 2 locations — one in Wells, Maine, with the other being in South Berwick, Maine — and it has another one coming in Exeter, New Hampshire, quite soon. We should mention that Exeter is not only this 2-time James Beard Semifinalist’s home as of writing, but also a place he adores owing to its welcoming atmosphere, history, as well as closeness and connection to major cities like Boston via a train.
Coming to Lee’s individual standing, while it’s true that he has managed to gain incredible success in his professional life, he has gone through his fair share of ups and downs in his personal life. His marriage to his wife sadly didn’t work out despite them having two kids together, so they ended up going their separate ways, yet have seemingly maintained amicability. However, we are happy to report that the chef did give love another chance, and he is now married to a kind, loving woman named Brooke, who is also the co-owner of Lee Frank’s. From what we can tell, even though Lee prefers to keep his private experiences well away from the limelight these days for privacy reasons, he is a dedicated father and husband who will always do his best for his family. He himself lost his father at the tender age of 8, so he knows the significance of family, so they remain his priority while he also lives out his dreams.
