Kelli Ferrell, a 38-year-old American chef, reality star, and successful entrepreneur, has built an impressive net worth of $1 million through her culinary ventures and television appearances. Best known as the owner of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Georgia and a new face on The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16, Kelli’s journey has been a blend of triumphs and trials. Amid a highly publicized divorce from Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and legal battles over her restaurant empire, she continues to expand her brand while raising her four children. This article delves into Kelli’s inspiring story, exploring her career, personal challenges, and plans for the future.
How Did Kelli Ferrell Begin Her Culinary Journey?
Kelli Ferrell’s love for cooking was sparked during her childhood in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up, she spent countless hours in the kitchen alongside her mother and grandmother, mastering family recipes and developing a passion for creating comforting, home-cooked meals. Initially, Kelli moved to Atlanta with aspirations of earning a degree in fashion merchandising and design. However, her culinary skills eventually took center stage, leading her to pursue a full-time career as a chef and restaurateur.
In 2016, Kelli opened Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in McDonough, Georgia, inspired by her family’s recipes and a desire to bring a taste of home to the Southern dining scene. The restaurant quickly became a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its warm ambiance and soul-satisfying dishes. Encouraged by the success of her first location, Kelli announced plans for a second restaurant in Sandy Springs, Georgia, set to open in early 2025.
What Challenges Did Kelli Ferrell Face in Her Personal Life?
Kelli’s personal life has been far from easy, particularly in recent years. She married Chuvalo Mark Ferrell in August 2011, and the couple has three children together: Chance (born 2012) and twins Chasiti and Chelsi (born 2015). Kelli also has an older daughter, Chloe, from a previous relationship. In April 2022, Kelli filed for divorce, citing that the marriage was “irretrievably broken” and revealing a separation date of January 2022.
The divorce proceedings quickly turned contentious, involving disputes over financial assets and business ownership. Court documents revealed that the couple’s marital assets were valued at approximately $1.7 million, including their home, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and the restaurant business. In a shocking turn, Kelli accused Chuvalo of making unauthorized withdrawals of $420,000 from business accounts, leading to a legal battle over the control of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
How Did Kelli Ferrell Win the Legal Battle for Her Restaurant?
In 2022, a court ruling granted Kelli sole ownership of Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, following the allegations of financial misconduct against her estranged husband. The ruling was a significant victory for Kelli, allowing her to retain control of her business and protect her brand from further disruption. The court also found Chuvalo in contempt for failing to comply with orders to repay the withdrawn funds and return certain properties, resulting in a brief incarceration from January to February 2024.
Despite the ongoing divorce proceedings and financial complications, Kelli has remained focused on expanding her restaurant business. She continues to operate Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles successfully and is in the process of opening a second location to meet growing demand.
How Has Kelli Ferrell Expanded Her Brand Beyond Restaurants?
Kelli’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the kitchen. Her appearances on the Food Network have showcased her cooking expertise to a national audience, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled chef. Additionally, Kelli has ventured into cookbook authorship, sharing her cherished recipes and culinary knowledge with fans eager to recreate the comforting flavors of her restaurant.
Her move into reality television, joining The Real Housewives of Atlanta for Season 16, represents yet another expansion of her brand. Announced in 2024, her addition to the cast brings her story of resilience and determination to a broader audience, offering viewers a glimpse into her life as a businesswoman and mother navigating a turbulent divorce.
What’s Next for Kelli Ferrell’s Career and Personal Life?
As of early 2025, Kelli’s focus remains on her growing restaurant empire and her children, for whom she was granted primary physical custody in a temporary parenting plan established in October 2023. Her legal battle with Chuvalo continues, with a hearing scheduled for August 2025, but Kelli’s resolve appears stronger than ever.
The anticipated opening of her second restaurant location in Sandy Springs signifies her commitment to scaling her culinary business despite the personal challenges she faces. Moreover, her growing popularity as a reality TV personality suggests that Kelli’s brand will continue to evolve, potentially leading to more television opportunities and endorsements.
Why Is Kelli Ferrell’s Story Inspiring?
Kelli Ferrell’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passion. From her early days in Maryland kitchens to the bustling dining scene of Atlanta, she has transformed her love for food into a successful business empire. Even amid financial disputes and a highly publicized divorce, Kelli’s focus on her career and family has remained unwavering.
Her story resonates with many, not just for her culinary talents but for her ability to rise above personal and financial adversity. As Kelli continues to build her brand and expand her influence, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone facing challenging chapters in life.
