Geoffrey Zakarian Net Worth

Geoffrey Zakarian is a celebrated American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author who has built an impressive career in the culinary world. As of today, Geoffrey Zakarian net worth is estimated at $2 million. While this figure may appear modest compared to other celebrity chefs, Zakarian’s financial journey has been marked by both major successes and difficult setbacks, including a high-profile bankruptcy in 2011.

Geoffrey Zakarian Net Worth	$2 Million
Date of Birth	July 25, 1959
Place of Birth	Worcester, Massachusetts
Nationality	American
Profession	Chef, Restaurateur, Television Personality, and Author

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Born on July 25, 1959, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Geoffrey Zakarian grew up in a diverse household with his Armenian-American father, George, and Polish-American mother, Viola. He attended Burncoat High School before earning a degree in economics from Worcester State University. His passion for cooking took shape after a stint in France, leading him to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America, where

Zakarian began his career at New York’s iconic Le Cirque, where he worked under Daniel Boulud and Alain Sailhac, eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine. By the late 1980s, he had secured roles as executive chef at 21Club and later at 44 in Manhattan’s Royalton Hotel. His refined approach to American cuisine, blending classic French techniques with modern American flavors, quickly set him apart.

Rise as a Restaurateur

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Zakarian opened several acclaimed restaurants, including Blue Door in Miami, Patroon in Manhattan, Town at the Chambers Hotel, and Country at the Carlton Hotel. Later, he launched The Lambs Club and The National in New York City, Tudor House in Miami, and Point Royal in Florida. Despite many successes, Zakarian’s journey was not without challenges—particularly financial strains tied to restaurant operations.

Bankruptcy and Financial Setbacks

In 2011, Geoffrey Zakarian filed for personal bankruptcy in response to a class-action lawsuit by former employees of his restaurant, Country. The lawsuit alleged labor law violations, including unpaid overtime and falsified pay records. At the time of filing, Zakarian claimed assets worth less than $50,000 against liabilities exceeding $1 million.

The lawsuit also revealed that Country grossed approximately $9 million annually at its peak but never turned a profit. Zakarian’s contract allowed him to collect 4% of gross revenue, earning him around $360,000 in peak years. His wife, Margaret Williams, also drew a salary of $70,000. Despite these earnings, legal battles and operating losses placed immense pressure on his finances.

According to his publicist at the time:
“Geoffrey Zakarian filed for bankruptcy due to the enormous costs of defending a class action lawsuit by former employees of a restaurant in which Mr. Zakarian is no longer involved. Mr. Zakarian denied the allegations in the lawsuit but it would cost him several hundred thousand dollars to defend the action.”

Television Career and Public Recognition

Beyond the kitchen, Zakarian has become one of Food Network’s most recognizable personalities. He has appeared as a longtime judge on Chopped, hosted The Kitchen, and won The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs in 2011. His television presence, combined with his reputation for precision and sophistication, has cemented his role as a culinary authority.

He has also judged shows like Chopped Junior, Top Chef, and Cutthroat Kitchen, while hosting Cooks vs. Cons and co-hosting Top 5 Restaurants. His television work continues to be a significant source of his income and public influence.

Books, Products, and Other Ventures

Zakarian is also an accomplished author, with cookbooks such as Town/Country and My Perfect Pantry. His entrepreneurial efforts extend to product lines, including gourmet foods and cookware, as well as consulting for luxury hotels and cruise lines.

Personal Life

Zakarian was first married to Heather Karaman before marrying Margaret Williams, a marketing executive, in 2005. Together, they have three children: Anna, Madeline, and George. Outside of his restaurants and television work, Zakarian serves as chairman of the City Harvest Food Council, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in New York City.