$6 Million
What is Michael Symon’s Net Worth?
Michael Symon is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author who has a net worth of $6 million. He is known for hosting or co-hosting a variety of shows on The Food Network. Most notably he hosted “The Chew” from 2011 to 2018.
Michael Symon was born in Cleveland, Ohio in September 1969. He owns restaurants in the Cleveland, Ohio area including Lola, The B Spot, and Lolita. He has been credited with helping to save the Downtown Cleveland restaurant scene. Symon graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. He has appeared on many TV series including Iron Chef America, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Food Feuds, and Cook Like an Iron Chef. Symon has written for publications including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Esquire, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Symon has authored cookbooks including Michael Symon’s Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen, The Chew: Food. Life. Fun., Michael Symon’s Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers, and The Chew: What’s for Dinner. Symon won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for The Chew in 2015.
Biography
Michael D. Symon is an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author, whose cultural heritage includes Greek, Sicilian, and Eastern European roots. This diverse background is often reflected in his culinary style, which he describes as “meat-centric.”
Restaurants and Culinary Impact
Symon has been a pivotal figure in the Cleveland food scene, notably with his flagship restaurant Lola, which later became Lolita, and eventually reopened as Lola again in downtown Cleveland. His efforts have been credited with revitalizing the city’s dining landscape. Symon has also spread his gastronomic influence through other ventures, including Mabel’s BBQ and the BSpot burger franchise, as well as restaurants in Detroit and Atlantic City.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Ohio, Symon’s culinary journey began in his youth and led him to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America. His career took root in Cleveland’s restaurant scene and he quickly established himself with Piccolo Mondo and later, his own restaurant, Lola.
Television Career
Symon is well known for his television appearances, having made his mark on Food Network shows such as “Iron Chef America,” “Burgers, Brew and ‘Que,” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” as well as on ABC’s “The Chew.” His engaging personality and expertise have made him a familiar face on the network, hosting various shows and participating in cooking competitions.
Challenges and Closures
While Symon has enjoyed much success, he has also faced challenges, such as closures due to financial pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen events like the fire at Lolita. Nonetheless, he continues to adapt, evidenced by the transformation of his last BSpot location into a Mabel’s BBQ.
Media and Publications
Beyond his restaurants and television presence, Symon has contributed to various periodicals and has authored several cookbooks, often collaborating with others like Michael Ruhlman and Douglas Trattner to share his cooking philosophy and recipes with a wider audience.
Product Lines and Endorsements
Symon has leveraged his culinary expertise into product endorsements and his own line of specialty kitchen products, demonstrating his versatility and appeal beyond the kitchen.
Personal Life
Symon is married to Liz Shanahan, with whom he has worked closely throughout his career. Together, they have navigated the complexities of the culinary business and have contributed significantly to the American food landscape.
