The upcoming season of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) is turning up the heat, and among the newest stars gracing the screen is none other than celebrity chef, cookbook author, TV personality, and Restaurateur Kelli Ferrell. As a MAIN PEACH HOLDER for Season 16, Ferrell is set to bring her signature flair to the hit reality series, which premieres on Sunday, March 9, at 8 PM EST.
Since its debut in 2008, Real Housewives of Atlanta has been one of Bravo’s most highly rated franchises, offering an inside look at the personal and professional lives of influential women in Atlanta, Georgia. Now, Ferrell is stepping into the spotlight, bringing her culinary couture, boss mentality, and big personality to the mix.
The Rise of the Queen of Waffles
Before becoming a household name on RHOA, Kelli Ferrell first gained national recognition through her acclaimed restaurant, Nana’s Chicken & Waffles. Known for its soulful Southern comfort food and an extensive selection of waffles, the restaurant has become a beloved Atlanta staple, drawing food lovers from all over.

Her success has earned her the well-deserved title of the “Queen of Waffles,” and she has made high-profile appearances on major media outlets, including:
A Culinary Star on the Rise
Ferrell’s cooking skills have been put to the test on major competition shows, proving she’s more than just a savvy businesswoman—she’s a powerhouse in the kitchen. She has competed on:
• Food Network’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge – where chefs go head-to-head to create the best Thanksgiving-inspired dishes.
• Guy’s Grocery Games – the high-energy game show hosted by Guy Fieri, where chefs battle through supermarket-themed challenges.
Beyond television, Ferrell has expanded her culinary empire with her own line of gourmet products, including:
• A signature cookbook featuring mouth-watering Southern recipes
• Mimosa mix for the perfect brunch beverage
• Waffle mix to recreate her famous waffles at home
• 24K gold-flaked syrup for a luxurious breakfast experience
• Stone-ground Cajun grits, a Southern staple
All of these products are available for international shipping through Nana’s Chicken & Waffles’ website and at the restaurant’s McDonough, Georgia location.

Life, Love, and the Next Chapter on RHOA
Ferrell is a single mother to four daughters—Chasti, Chelsi, Chloe, and Chance—who are the center of her world. Following her recent divorce after 11 years of marriage, she faced challenges that threatened her business, but she has emerged stronger than ever.
As she steps onto the RHOA stage, Bravo describes her as:
“Big energy with a mix of culinary couture as chef extraordinaire and owner of well-known ATL staple Nana’s Chicken & Waffles. There’s never a dull moment for Kelli as a single mom of four daughters. This Queen of Waffles is now ready to flourish, build her empire, and get to know these ladies better. She’s not holding back on any of her opinions or side-eyes. As far as the new housewives, she’s already been deemed queen of fashions.”
With her bold personality, undeniable talent, and a resilient spirit, Kelli Ferrell is set to shake things up on Real Housewives of Atlanta. Don’t miss her debut when Season 16 premieres on Sunday, March 9, at 8 PM EST on Bravo.
Keep up with Kelli Ferrell’s latest ventures by following her on Instagram and visiting Nana’s Chicken & Waffles for all things food, fashion, and fabulousness.
