Local chef competes on NBC cooking show, ‘Yes, Chef!’

Lee Frank, the owner of Otis in Exeter, is a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist. Photo courtesy of Lee Frank.

By Katy Savage

May 7, 2025

Shoutout to Lee Frank, owner of Otis Restaurant in Exeter, who’s competing for a $250,000 prize on NBC’s new cooking show Yes, Chef!—judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés.

Each chef on the show was nominated by someone close to them for a personal habit that might be holding them back. For Lee, it’s the chip on his shoulder.

NBC said Lee’s sous chef, Jonathan, believes “lingering resentment could be getting in the way of his growth—especially with Lee’s goal of starting his own restaurant group. By entering ‘Yes, Chef!,’ Lee wants to show his community that he’s not just a great chef, but he’s able to improve on his self-doubt.”

In the premiere episode, the chefs had 90 minutes to team up and create a meal using a set of surprise ingredients. Lee, who NBC jokes suffers from “irritable chef syndrome,” admitted he likes to be in control.

“There is no control here,” he said on air. “It’s been a while since I’ve taken orders from anyone. I’m just trying to show the judges that I can be a team player.”

Lee isn’t new to the spotlight—he’s previously appeared on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay—but this time, he’s the only chef representing New Hampshire. The series premiered April 28 and is now streaming on Peacock.

Author

Katy Savage

Katy Savage is the Granite Post's newsletter editor. Katy is an award-winning reporter with more than 10 years of experience working in daily, weekly, and digital news organizations as both an editor and reporter. Katy is a New England native and has a passion for telling stories about where she grew up.

Have a story tip? Reach Katy at [email protected]. For local reporting in New Hampshire that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Katy's newsletter.

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