Geoffrey Zakarian

Geoffrey Zakarian is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he studied economics before pursuing a culinary career. He earned an associate degree from the Culinary Institute of America and refined his classical French training in New York City kitchens, including Le Cirque under chef Daniel Boulud.

Throughout his culinary career, Zakarian has served as executive chef and culinary director for several prominent establishments, including 44 at the Royalton Hotel, Town, Country, and The Lambs Club in New York City. He has also developed dining concepts for luxury hotels, resorts, and cruise lines. Beyond restaurant management, he has authored cookbooks such as Town/Country and My Perfect Pantry, and launched lines of cookware and specialty food products.

Zakarian achieved wide public recognition through his frequent appearances on the Food Network. He earned the title of Iron Chef after winning season four of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs in 2011. He has served as a judge on the long-running competition series Chopped and as a co-host on the daytime series The Kitchen. In addition to his media and culinary projects, Zakarian serves as Chairman of the Food Council for the New York City anti-hunger organization City Harvest.