Jacques Pépin
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Restaurant: Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Le Pavillon, and more
As Seen On: The Complete Pépin, Fast Food My Way, and more
Jacques Pépin was born in France (no surprise with that name) and moved to the US in 1959 when he was 24 years old. His parents had a restaurant named Le Pelican, which is where he made his first steps in the culinary world. As a young chef in Paris, he has had the pleasure of serving as a personal chef for three state leaders. All of that before his 25th birthday!
They say great minds think alike, and Pépin’s great mind was good friends with Julia Child’s. The two co-hosted a TV show called “Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home.” His life and work have been honored with many awards and accolades both in America and in France.
Eric Ripert
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Restaurant: Le Bernardin, Blue
As Seen On: Avec Eric
Things always sound better when you say they are French. Exhibit A would have to be French fries. Exhibit B would be French chef Eric Ripert. His culinary abilities are fully on display when he deals with seafood and modern French cuisine.
Le Bernadine, Ripert's flagship restaurant in New York City is highly praised. The New York Times has ranked it at number 17 of the 50 best restaurants in the world. The Michelin Guide also speaks highly of the place and gives it a three-star rating. His career also includes TV appearances, friendship with late chef Anthony Bourdain, and more than 10 cookbooks.
Gastón Acurio
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Restaurant: Astrid & Gaston, Café del Museo, Madam Tusan, and more
As Seen On: Aventura Culinaria and more
Born in Lima, Peru in 1967, Gaston Acurio had initially hoped to have a career in law, similar to his father. Thank god he changed course and got his formal training as a chef at the Le Cordon Bleu in France. Today, he is a world-famous chef and is widely regarded as a Peruvian cuisine ambassador.
During his time in France, he met his wife, Astrid, and the two now manage Astrid & Gaston, their very own restaurant franchise. Much like other celebrity chefs, he also has numerous television appearances and cookbooks under his belt.
Matthew Kenney
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Restaurant: Double Zero, Plant Food & Wine, and more
As Seen On: N/A
Matthew Kenney doesn't settle for making good food. His food also has an agenda behind it, which he tirelessly works on promoting. Kenny specializes in plant-based cooking and he is a great advocate of the issue. He has given a couple of TED talks on the matter and educates on a raw-food diet wherever he can.
Kenney has written a dozen cookbooks and many of his efforts are dedicated to helping others eat healthily. He owns two apps — Matthew Kenney's Raw Express and Matthew Kenney's Everyday Raw Detox, as well as a number of plant-based restaurants around the US.
Todd English
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Restaurant: Olives, Figs, and more
As Seen On: Cooking with Todd English, and more
Todd English has fed numerous hungry mouths in pretty much any way you can think of. Yes, he has restaurants, but he is also the head chef of Delta Air Lines on top of being the owner of luxury restaurants on cruise ships.
Most of English's net worth comes from his restaurant chain, "Olives." He also has a chain of pizzerias called "Figs." Other than successful restaurants, his track record includes four cookbooks and PBS cooking shows.