“To be in the finale feels surreal and exhilarating,” Gates said. “To compete against Logan was great. He and the other contestants pushed me to be a better, more creative chef.”
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Gates is a Middletown native that graduated from The Ohio State University in 2004 with a degree in Psychology and then went on to get a second degree in early childhood education.
He worked in social work for nearly three years, before working in preschools for seven years.
“I fell in love with cooking,” Gates said. “I started baking first just making little desserts for people at work and then that just grew the passion for it.”
At 28-years old he switched careers and moved back to the Dayton region. He worked at restaurants such as l’Auberge in Kettering, Salar and Lucky’s in Dayton’s Oregon District and the Hilton Garden Inn in Beavercreek.
“I’ve put so much time and effort into my career that I knew I could make it this far,” Gates said. “Obviously, my goal is to try and win the title of ”Top Vegan,“ but the top two is pretty... good.”
Throughout the season, Gates' has earned several wins that has helped build his confidence.
“I’m very proud that I was able to represent the city of Dayton and showcase the food we do at Invoke on a platform like this,” Gates said.
In 2018, Gates opened Invoke at 2nd Street Market with his brother to bridge the gap between the standard American diet and plant-based and vegan cooking.
Another proud moment from the season was when Gates was able to make blueberry ice cream within 75 minutes during the dessert challenge.
He said his family’s support has meant everything to him throughout the show — especially his mother’s.
“I want everyone to know that by believing in yourself and having a strong support system you can achieve your dreams,” Gates said.
MORE DETAILS
Logan McMahan of Indianapolis, Ind. joins Gates in the finale. McMahan is a self-taught vegan chef with nearly 12 years of vegan experience and is the owner of Nicole Taylor’s Pasta, a small Mediterranean market offering fresh pasta, sauces and lunch service.
During the final episode, Gates and McMahan will pitch a new or expanding vegan business —with a dish to match. They’re not only vying for the title of “Top Vegan,” there’s also a $20,000 cash prize and business mentorship on the line.
Gates isn’t the first Dayton chef to compete on “Top Vegan.” Rhea Adkins, the owner of Vegan It IZ Eats at 2nd Street Market competed in the first season.
For more information, visit topvegantv.com or the show’s Instagram page (@topvegantv).
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