From ‘Chopped’ Champion to Barleymash and Beyond with Chef Kevin Templeton

Chef Kevin Templeton has come a long way since being named an FSR 40 Under 40 Rising Star in 2018. Since then, the San Diego-based chef has launched the Baja-inspired Hasta Mañana Cantina, expanded his coffee-and-bagel chain to five locations, and doubled down on sustainable sourcing across his restaurants—including Barleymash, now 13 years strong. Templeton also talks about competing on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, mentoring the next generation of culinary talent, and finding balance by playing guitar in a death metal band.