COMPETITOR

Hachie Culinary

HEAD COOK: Mackenzie Mills

COMPETITION: World Sandwich Championship

Z Mills has had quite a career for someone so young! From their championship appearance on Food Network’s Chopped Junior, to judging their culinary idols in that show’s “Make Me a Judge” tournament, to a long top 6 run on the inaugural season of the Emmy nominated “Top Chef Junior” to catering in their hometown of Waxalothian, Chef Z is reaching for the stars.  Not satisfied with their time in front of the cameras, Z has sought and embraced opportunities to intern in various high-end kitchens in the metroplex, from Ocean Prime to Chef Dean Fearing’s eponymous restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. On the home front, Z and their older sister Aly have partnered up to create and market “Chef Z’s TexSass BBQ Sauce” - hopefully the next big thing in Texas BBQ!  With all of this, Z has found time to be active at Waxahachie High School, leading the Culinary program as its President, Captaining the State-qualified BBQ competition team, an officer in musical theater, President of the Gay-Straight Alliance, and carrying a place in the top 10% of their Senior class. Beyond this, Z remains active in their Midlothian community, acting as a judge in the Bridges’ Foundation BBQ Bash, supporting Manna House, and volunteering for various community projects. Proud of their Texan roots, the (formerly) blue-haired chef is just getting started!