It is with great pride that we at Chez Jolie share that our colleague, Robert Hansson, has been named the winner of Juniorkrögare 2026. The final took place on February 10, 2026, and with calm precision and a clear vision of what a dish should be both on the plate and in restaurant service, Robert claimed the title.
The win brings a rare opportunity. On March 26-27, 2026, Robert will run his own pop-up at Agdas på hörnet in Stockholm, serving a self-composed menu to up to 100 paying guests per evening. He will hold full responsibility for the kitchen, working with the support of Carotte, sponsored produce from Arla and Martin & Servera, and mentorship from competition director Desirée Jaks (Årets Kock 2023).
A Victory That Extends Beyond One Evening
Juniorkrögare is organized for the second consecutive year by the Årets Kock Foundation and Carotte, and is open to young chefs between the ages of 19 and 23. The competition is designed to give emerging talents the opportunity to step from skilled craftsmanship into something greater: responsibility, leadership, and an understanding of the full scope of running a restaurant.
This is also where we recognize Robert. At Chez Jolie, craftsmanship is always present, yet never loud. We believe in clarity, warmth, and that unmistakable sense that everything is in place without needing explanation. Robert carries that philosophy in the way he works.
How the Final Was Decided
The final brought together four contestants, each preparing a main course based on a previously submitted recipe. The jury evaluated the dishes according to three criteria: taste, method, and how well the dish was adapted to be served to approximately 100 guests in a restaurant setting.
The format was uncompromising: three hours on site, no pre-prepared ingredients, and no à part elements except for sauce. During plating, Desirée Jaks was present in the kitchen to assess the methodology in real time.
The scoring was distributed as follows:
- Taste: 60%
- Adaptation for service to 100 guests: 20%
- Method: 20% (waste management, cleanliness, and technique)
When the final scores were counted, Robert Hansson stood as the winner.
From Luleå to Stockholm and Towards His Own Expression
Robert is 21 years old, originally from Luleå and now based in Stockholm. He trained in the Restaurant and Food Programme at Luleå Upper Secondary School and has gained experience with respected colleagues at Spesso, Karl August/Aiko, and Lilla Ego. He has also achieved success in previous competitions winning Juniormedaljen 2.0, placing second in Årets Kockelev 2023, and now winning Juniorkrögare 2026.
For us at Chez Jolie, this is a moment of great joy, not only because Robert deserves the recognition, but because the competition highlights something we strongly believe in: that the next generation should be given the right conditions at the right time, along with the space to develop their own voice in the kitchen.
At the end of March, Robert steps into the role of restaurateur for two evenings. We look forward to following the journey and to seeing his vision unfold, from first idea to a fully seated dining room.