John Besh is a Louisiana-based American writer, chef, television personality and restaurateur, with a net worth of approximately $2 million dollars as of 2025. He amassed many awards during the years, authored cookbook(s), and appeared on top television programs. In 2017, more than 25 women came forward with allegations that his restaurant engaged in sexual harassment. Finally, after a shameful fall from disgrace relating to allegations of workplace harassment, he came back on his feet and gained his legacy back
Early Life and Education
Born on May 14, 1968 in Meridian, Mississippi, and later growing up in Slidell, Louisiana (the “Other” Louisiana), He developed an early appreciation of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
He received formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), located in Hyde Park, New York, as one of the best culinary institutions worldwide. Besh did not work full-time in a training after service.
John Besh’s breakthrough into the food world came in 2001 when he opened his flagship restaurant, August, in New Orleans. Besh’s talent for pairing French culinary techniques with locally sourced Louisiana ingredients led to August being an immediate fine-dining entrée and secured Besh’s budding stardom.
Besh launched multiple restaurants as part of the Besh Restaurant Group following the cooking success with Besh Restaurant Group, including:
Luke
Domenica
Borgne
Shaya
Besh Restaurant Group peaked with over a dozen institutions—some still running today.
Besh established himself nationally within the food world:
Selected by Food & Wine as one of the “Top 10 Best New Chefs in America” in 1999
Winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast (2006)
He is also a spokesperson for the cultural Restoration of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Books and Television
In addition to his restaurants, John Besh developed a media profile through cookbooks and television. Additionally, he has penned several cookbooks, including
My New Orleans: The Cookbook
Cooking from the Heart
Besh Big Easy
His cookbooks include recipes and family stories and other stories ofes of from culinary traditions in Louisiana.
He has appeared on the following television shows:
Top Chef
Iron Chef America
The Today Show
The Martha Stewart Show
His friendly personality and love for Creole cuisine turn him into a well-known food media personality
Besh admitted to having an affair but denied the other allegations. Besh resigned as head of his restaurant group, and they were subsequently rebranded to BRG Hospitality under new management.
John Besh FAQs
What is John Besh’s Net Worth?
According to our sources, John Besh’s net worth is approximately 2 million as of 2025.
What is John Besh famous for?
He is famous for his restaurant August in New Orleans, his James Beard Award-winning food, and his television appearances.
What type of food does John Besh cook?
John Besh focuses on Southern, Cajun, and Creole cooking and uses French cooking techniques while pulling from Louisiana flavors.
Has John Besh written any cookbooks?
He has. His cookbooks include My New Orleans: The Cookbook, Cooking From the Heart, and Besh Big Easy.
Did the controversy do harm to his overall career?
Yes.
