Twelve finalists have traveled to Los Angeles to begin a multi-month interview for the chance to earn their dream job: hosting their own Food Network show.

Andres, 26, grew up in a traditional Cuban family and worked at his father's restaurant. After losing 150 pounds, Andres became a childhood obesity prevention coach, and he is now eager to show the audience how deliciously satisfying healthy food can be.

Passionate about all things barbecue, Chad, 37, is a self-taught cook in the process of opening a comfort food eatery near Philadelphia. Growing up, this father of two would perform cooking shows for his family, and he now wants to turn that childhood play into reality.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Chris, 27, was the mastermind behind Cleveland's first-ever food truck. He founded a second truck before opening his premiere brick-and-mortar restaurant, Hodge's. In 2011, Chris and his teammates were the runners-up on The Great Food Truck Race.