A Buffet of Opportunities

While other cooking reality shows offer a cash prize, a-year job as executive chef under the tutelage of a renowned chef or some seed money to open a new restaurant, The Next Food Network Star gives contestants a chance to star on his or her very own TV show ---a window to a seemingly endless buffet of opportunities that could lead to cookbooks, house wares, and other ventures.

"A whole career is at stake," Food Network star Bobby Flay said. "It's like Disney World. There are so many things now that revolve around food."

Perhaps the most prominent Food Network star to date is Rachael Ray, who went on to craft deals for spin-offs, including her flourishing line of 30-minute-meal cookbooks, linens, knives and canine kibble. AllHeights, New York; Katie Cavuto from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;, Melissa d'Arabian from Keller, Texas; Teddy Folkman from Alexandria, Virginia; Eddie Gilbert from Manhattan Beach, California; Jen Isham from Orlando, Florida; Debbie Lee from West Hollywood, California; Jamika Pessoa from Atlanta, Georgia; Michael Proietti from New York, New York; and Jeffrey Saad from Los Angeles, California.