From Knives to Networks: How Jonathan Scinto & Ricky Robertson Are Turning Culinary Competitions Into a Media Empire

In the world of culinary competition, most chefs chase trophies, medals, or bragging rights. But Chef Jonathan Scinto and Chef Richard “Ricky” Robertson are doing something different. They’ve turned the World Food Championships (WFC) into a platform for a growing media empire—one that spans TV, streaming, brand partnerships, merchandise, live experiences, and digital content. Together, they’re redefining what it means to be a chefpreneur and food media visionary.

“We don’t just compete in the kitchen—we turn every competition into a platform for media, TV, and entertainment.” — Jonathan Scinto

From Kitchens to Cameras

Scinto, a New York–based celebrity chef known for his signature Itasian cuisine (Italian + Asian fusion) and larger-than-life personality, and Robertson, a Southern chef whose pure energy electrifies every room, recognized the WFC as more than a competition. They saw it as a stage to showcase their brand, connect with audiences, and create content that lives far beyond the kitchen.

“Not polished. Not perfect. Just real. That’s At Home with Chef Jonathan.” — Richard Robertson

They are proof that you don’t have to be a chef in a classic kitchen to be a food innovator or entrepreneur. In today’s culinary world, success is about vision, persistence, and creating your own path, not following what others do or listening to negative feedback. For Scinto and Robertson, the key is to stay true to the vision they set for themselves and see it through, no matter the challenges along the journey.

After finishing second overall in the 2024 Chef category, despite earning the highest scores in the opening round for their show-stopping Wagyu Katsu Sando, Scinto and Robertson were left frustrated and fired up. Controversy surrounded the opening round, and even though their first-round dish stole the spotlight, they had to settle for second place. That near-miss only intensified their focus and hunger—they are returning to the WFC in 2025 with one mission: to claim the title that they know is theirs.

Beyond the competition itself, Scinto and Robertson have learned to harness the energy of the event—the vibe of the crowd, the buzz around other teams and cooks—and channel it into their food media empire. The WFC isn’t just a contest; it’s fuel for their brand, inspiring new TV shows, live events, content creation, and all the projects they are building to expand their reach and influence.

“From Wagyu Katsu Sando to streaming shows—we’re turning every competition into a media empire.” — Jonathan Scinto

Their projects include Family Kitchen Revival on The Roku Channel (originally Prime Video), seen by over 10 million viewers since 2019. The series takes audiences into real homes to heal families through food. Meanwhile, At Home with Chef Jonathan breaks the mold of cookie-cutter cooking shows with raw, unfiltered storytelling, edgy conversations, and behind-the-scenes grit.

Building a Media Empire, One Stage at a Time

For Scinto and Robertson, every WFC competition is more than a contest—it’s a stage to expand their media footprint. Every appearance, every dish, every story is an opportunity to create content, connect with audiences, and grow their brand. Their vision stretches beyond the kitchen: TV shows, streaming content, merchandise, interactive tours, and a podcast launching in 2026. With JS Entertainment, they’re also helping other creators develop streaming shows, creating a growing ecosystem of culinary content.

“Our goal isn’t just winning—it’s building a multi-million-dollar media empire by 2026.” — Jonathan Scinto

“Every WFC stage is a playground—intense energy, bold moves, and impact that hits hard.” — Richard Robertson

Why This Story Matters

Scinto and Robertson’s journey isn’t the usual chef narrative. It’s a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship, showing how culinary skill, vision, and media strategy combine to create a scalable empire. Their raw, authentic style resonates with audiences craving realness, and their focus on vision over comparison makes them a model for anyone looking to innovate in food—or in business more broadly. They aren’t just chefs—they are chefpreneurs and food media visionaries shaking up the industry.

What’s Next

With At Home with Chef Jonathan continuing to push boundaries and Family Kitchen Revival reaching over 10 million viewers, Scinto and Robertson are gearing up for their biggest year yet. JS Entertainment is producing more lifestyle and culinary content, and they’re expanding merchandise, interactive live tours, and immersive food and beverage experiences across the country.

A podcast launching in 2026 will give fans an unfiltered, entertaining look behind the curtain, blending the long-form, thought-provoking style of The Diary of a CEO and The Joe Rogan Experience with the irreverent humor of Bad Friends and The Pat McAfee Show. The WFC continues to be their creative fuel, inspiring content, energy, and experiences that propel their food media empire forward. For Scinto and Robertson, the journey isn’t just about food—it’s about building a brand that dominates the culinary media space and redefines what it means to be a chefpreneur.