Emeril Lagasse is a renowned American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author, boasting a net worth of approximately $70 million as of 2024. He is widely recognized as one of the most successful celebrity chefs in history and is often credited with pioneering the concept of celebrity chefs. His unique cooking style, combined with his charismatic personality, has made him a household name.
Born Emeril John Lagasse III on October 15, 1959, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Emeril’s culinary journey began in his teenage years while working in a Portuguese bakery. His father, Emeril John Lagasse Jr., was of French-Canadian descent, and his mother, Hilda Medeiros, was Portuguese. Although he was a talented percussionist and received a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, Lagasse chose to pursue a career in the culinary arts instead.
After graduating high school, Lagasse enrolled at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he honed his culinary skills. To support his education, he worked at a local restaurant, where he met his first wife, Elizabeth Kief. They married shortly after Lagasse completed his studies. His career took him to France, where he trained in Paris and Lyon, before returning to the United States to work in prestigious restaurants across the Northeast.
Career Highlights
In 1982, Lagasse became the executive chef at the famous New Orleans restaurant Commander’s Palace, a position that demanded long hours and intense dedication. His hard work paid off when he was nominated as Chef of the Year in 1983. After seven and a half years at Commander’s Palace, he opened his first restaurant, Emeril’s, in 1990. Located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, the restaurant quickly gained acclaim, receiving the title of Restaurant of the Year from “Esquire” magazine and earning the “Wine Spectator” Grand Award since 1999.
Emeril’s success led to the opening of multiple restaurants across the United States, including locations in Las Vegas, Orlando, and Pennsylvania. He is the executive chef and proprietor of thirteen Emeril’s restaurants, each offering a unique blend of French, Spanish, Caribbean, Asian, and Portuguese cuisine. His culinary prowess has also extended to television, where he has hosted several cooking shows, including “Essence of Emeril,” “Emeril Live,” and “Emeril’s Florida.”
Television Fame
Emeril Lagasse’s television career began in the early 1990s when he was featured in Julia Child’s series “Cooking with Master Chefs.” He later hosted his own shows, where his energetic personality and catchphrases like “Bam!” and “Kick it up a notch!” became iconic. His show “Emeril Live” was particularly popular, showcasing his cooking techniques and engaging with the audience in a lively manner.
In addition to his cooking shows, Lagasse has made guest appearances on various programs and has served as a food correspondent for ABC’s “Good Morning America” since 1998. His influence in the culinary world has also led to the publication of ten cookbooks, further solidifying his status as a culinary authority.
Business Ventures and Sales
In 2008, Emeril sold his brand, excluding his restaurant chain, to Martha Stewart’s holding company for $50 million. This sale included his line of dry grocery products, kitchen appliances, and cookware. The assets were later merged into Sequential Brands Group and sold again in 2019 for $175 million, although Lagasse was no longer involved at that point.
Emeril has also launched a line of kitchen knives produced by Wusthoff and cookware made by All-Clad, showcasing his commitment to quality culinary tools. His brand continues to thrive, with a focus on providing high-quality products to home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Beyond his culinary achievements, Emeril Lagasse is dedicated to giving back to the community. In 2002, he founded the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations and educational initiatives aimed at helping disadvantaged children. The foundation has distributed over six million dollars in grants to various charities, funding projects such as gardens, fresh food cafeterias, and culinary arts programs.
One of the foundation’s notable projects is the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, which provides students with hands-on gardening and cooking experiences. The foundation also hosts an annual fundraiser called Carnivale du Vin, which ranks among the top charity wine auctions in the United States.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Emeril Lagasse has been married three times. His first marriage to Elizabeth Kief lasted from 1978 to 1986, followed by a marriage to fashion designer Tari Hohn from 1989 to 1996. In 2000, he married real estate broker Alden Lovelace, and the couple has two children together. They split their time between New Orleans and Destin, Florida.
In November 2020, Emeril and Alden listed their Destin home for sale at $5.25 million. The property spans 8,000 square feet and was acquired through an off-market deal, showcasing the couple’s investment in real estate.
Conclusion
Emeril Lagasse’s journey from a young boy in Fall River, Massachusetts, to a culinary icon with a net worth of $70 million is a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication to the culinary arts. His influence on the food industry, combined with his philanthropic efforts, has left a lasting impact on both the culinary world and the communities he serves.
FAQs
What is Emeril Lagasse’s net worth?
As of 2024, Emeril Lagasse’s net worth is approximately $70 million.
How many restaurants does Emeril Lagasse own?
Emeril Lagasse is the executive chef and proprietor of thirteen Emeril’s restaurants located in various cities across the United States.
What are some of Emeril Lagasse’s famous catchphrases?
Emeril is known for his catchphrases “Bam!” and “Kick it up a notch!” which have become synonymous with his cooking style.
What philanthropic work does Emeril Lagasse do?
Emeril founded the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations and educational initiatives for disadvantaged children, distributing over six million dollars in grants.
What cooking shows has Emeril Lagasse hosted?
Emeril has hosted several cooking shows, including “Essence of Emeril,” “Emeril Live,” and “Emeril’s Florida,” among others.