Award-winning American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author Michael Symon has been estimated by multiple outlets to have a net worth of $6 million. he bcame a master in the food network and TV show appearances on ABC.
Background
Michael Symon was born on September 19, 1969, to parents Mary and Nickdy, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in North Olmstead, Ohio. He is as a modern-day celebrity chef, including Greek, Sicilian, and Eastern European descent. Food wasn’t celebrated in the past as it is today but through him and others, food is now cherished and studied as a subject
Michael graduated from St. Edward High School in 1987 and moved forward to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he graduated in 1990. That kickstart makes him an award-winning chef in America.
Culinary Career
Michael Symon officially began his career path in Cleveland and had positions at places like Geppetto’s Pizza and Ribs, Player’s, Piccolo Mondo, and Caxton Cafe. He got a big break in Cleveland in 1997 when he and his wife, Liz Shanahan, opened Lola in the Tremont area of Cleveland. Soon after opening, the restaurant was named one of the best in America by Gourmet magazine.
In the wake of Lola’s success, Symon extended his impact throughout the Midwest and beyond with restaurants:
Lolita—a reimagining of Lola (2005)
Parea—upscale Greek restaurant in NYC (2006-2007)
Roast – Detroit Steakhouse (2008)
Bar Symon – casual dining (2009-2017 in various locations)
BSpot Burgers – burger places in Ohio (2009-2020)
Mabel’s BBQ—a modern barbeque concept in Cleveland and Las Vegas (2016-present)
Angeline—Italian dining at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City (2017-present)
Some of these locations closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Symon is still regarded as a powerhouse in the restaurant industry.
Television Career
The next step for Michael Symon was television, where people have come to know him through his spirited onscreen persona.
Iron Chef America – Competitor and then became Iron Chef after winning The Next Iron Chef in 2007
Dinner: Impossible—host (2008)
Food Feuds – host (2010)
Burgers, Brew & ‘Que – host who traveled around America celebrating comfort food
BBQ Brawl – co-host and judge
The Chew – co-host of ABC’s daytime food and lifestyle talk show (2011-2018)
His accessible teaching style and energetic enthusiasm made him one of Food Network’s most popular personalities. Cookbooks
In addition to operating restaurants and doing television work, Symon has published a range of cookbooks that include
Michael Symon’s Live to Cook (2009, with Michael Ruhlman)
Carnivore: 120 Recipes for Meat Lovers (2012)
5 in 5: 5 Fresh Ingredients + 5 Minutes = 120 Fantastic Dinners (2013)
Playing with Fire: BBQ and More from the Grill, Smoker and Fireplace (2018)
Many of the titles showcase Symon’s love for meat-driven meals, speedy weeknight meals, and simple BBQ methods, making them popular with home cooks.
Personal Life
Michael Symon has been married to Liz Shanahan since 1998. The two have worked together on multiple restaurant projects over the years and enjoy a close family life with Liz’s son, Kyle, whom Symon helped to raise.
Michael Symon Net Worth
As of 2025, Michael Symon’s net worth is 6 M. His earnings come from:
Restaurant Ownership and Partnerships
Television hosting and appearances
Best-selling cookbooks
Culinary events and endorsements
Symon’s ability to be successful in a variety of areas—restaurants, television, cookbooks, media, and otherwise—and remain true to his Cleveland heritage is admirable.
FAQs about Michael Symon
What is Michael Symon’s net worth?
Michael Symon’s net worth is 6 M.
How did Michael Symon become famous?
He initially became known after opening his restaurant, Lola, and following that, winning The Next Iron Chef in 2007—to then become a Food Network Iron Chef.
What restaurants does Michael Symon own?
He owned and operated Lola, Lolita, BSpot Burgers, Bar Symon, Roast, Mabel’s BBQ, and Angeline.
Has Michael Symon written books?
Yes. Symon has published Live to Cook, Carnivore, 5 in 5, and Playing with Fire.
What television programming has Michael Symon completed?
He has been noted in Iron Chef America, Food Feuds, The Chew, Burgers, Brew & ‘Que, BBQ Brawl, etc.
Is Michael Symon married?
Yes. He married Liz Shanahan in 1998. Together they raised Liz’s son, Kyle.
What is the style of cooking of Michael Symon?
Michael Symon is known In addition to classic American fare, focus on anything with pork, meat, and BBQ-forward food and comfort food.
