While Kelsey Murphy’s culinary career started at a young age in her home kitchen outside of Chicago, Illinois, it wasn’t until her inspirational win on Season 11 of MasterChef, Season of Legends, that she decided to dive in headfirst into her dream career. Kelsey impressed Chef Gordon Ramsay all season with her knowledge of culinary techniques, respect for ingredients, and aggressive flavors that made each dish a showstopper. It was obvious from early on that Kelsey was not only a front-runner but was in her element cooking and sharing her story on camera.

Since her time on MasterChef Kelsey has opened Inspo in Fishers, Indiana. As part of the Fishers Test Kitchen inside Sun King Brewery, Murphy has brought an elevated approach to comfort food; bridging the gap between fine dining and bar food.

From her initial restaurant success, Inspo has since found a home at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and has recently partnered with Bullseye Events as the face behind the food at their VIP tailgate experiences. Kelsey has brought her elevated comfort food to 100s of thousands of football fans, and the lines and wait times for her incredible Cuban sandwich speak for themselves.

Outside of her restaurants, Kelsey has been participating in cooking demos at festivals and trade shows around the country, writing her first cookbook, and hosting private catering events throughout Indianapolis and the entire Midwest. Recently announced, Kelsey will be returning as a Guest Judge during the upcoming season, Season 13, of MasterChef set to air on August 30th.

Kelsey has big dreams for the future, taking her story and food on screen. She has a passion for speaking and storytelling, motivating others from her story and experiences. Kelsey also wishes to continue expanding the Indianapolis food scene and giving this amazing city the National recognition it deserves for all the talent it homes.

When Kelsey finds time outside of her many ventures, she enjoys running, dining out with friends, and spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their three young children who no doubted keep them very busy.