Following the ratings success of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in 2003, network executives at Bravo sought to leverage its popularity to create new programming based around the show's five central themes: food, fashion, beauty, interior design, and pop culture. During a meeting with Senior Vice President of Programming Andy Cohen and Vice President of Programming Dave Serwatka, Bravo President Lauren Zalaznick proposed the idea of an elevated food competition, akin to the fashion-centric Project Runway. Magical Elves, the producers of Project Runway, were brought in to helm the new series. Showrunner Shauna Minoprio championed the inclusion of chef Tom Colicchio as the head judge, stating that the competition would need his credibility. Bravo also approached the publisher for Food & Wine magazine about setting up a partnership the same way Project Runway had done with Elle magazine, resulting in Gail Simmons joining the
