The American Dream Story of Preston Nguyen

Published on November 13, 2025

Editor's Note: This article, originally published in February 2023, was updated Nov. 13, 2025, to reflect Nguyen's second World Food Championship.

By Arlington ISD Communications

Preston Nguyen is now a two-time world champion. The Martin High School grad won the 2025 World Chef Championship at the World Food Championships last month, repeating his first victory in 2021.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Nguyen said in an article published on the Arlington ISD's website. “Winning again just reminds me that hard work, creativity, and the people who believed in me really do make all the difference. It’s also a full-circle feeling – representing Arlington on a world stage and bringing the title home again means the world to me.”

Nguyen took a lot of Arlington to the WFC in Indianapolis this year. His cooking assistants all came from home – his parents, brother, and sister.

Arlington is home, and it’s where Nguyen got his culinary start. In fact, his experience at the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center and an internship during his senior year at Prince Lebanese Grill completely changed his career trajectory. The City of Arlington's Office of Communication interviewed Nguyen about how he was living his American Dream in 2023, which is when he had the chance to show off his skills on Gordon Ramsay’s hit television show, Next Level Chef. Recently, he appeared on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay.  

“Arlington ISD, and especially the culinary program at Dan Dipert CTC, changed everything for me,” Nguyen said. “I was on the path to becoming an architect when I decided to give culinary a try. It gave me a vision and my foundation, not just in skills, but in confidence. My teachers encouraged me to compete, to lead, and to dream big. Without that early support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Now, Nguyen is preparing for his next culinary adventure close to home. He was recently named executive chef at the new Caravan Court Hotel, the retro luxury hotel currently under construction on Division Street in the Entertainment District.

“Arlington has always been home, and to open a restaurant here feels like the perfect next chapter,” Nguyen said. “I can’t wait for it to become a place where locals and visitors alike can experience something uniquely Arlington and also get a taste of my culinary identity.” 

It’s an identity that started right here in Arlington ISD.

“I’m proud to represent Arlington wherever I go, and I hope my story inspires the next generation of students to chase what they love, whether that’s food, art, or anything that brings them joy and challenges them to do their best. Arlington gave me my start, and I’ll always carry that with me into every kitchen and every opportunity.”

To see more American Dream stories, click here.