History of Bobby Flay in Timeline

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Bobby Flay

Bobby Flay is a renowned American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author. Known for his dynamic presence on the Food Network since 1995, he has garnered significant recognition, including four Daytime Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Flay owns and operates several successful restaurants and franchises, such as Bobby's Burger Palace, Bobby's Burgers, and Amalfi, showcasing his culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills. He is recognized for his contributions to the culinary world and his engaging television presence.


December 10, 1964: Robert Flay's Birth

On December 10, 1964, Robert William Flay, now known as Bobby Flay, was born. He would become a celebrity chef, food writer, restaurateur, and television personality.

1984: Graduation from French Culinary Institute

In 1984, Bobby Flay graduated from the French Culinary Institute, becoming part of its first graduating class and earning a degree in culinary arts.

1988: Executive Chef at Miracle Grill

In 1988, Bobby Flay became the executive chef of Miracle Grill in the East Village.

1990: Departure from Miracle Grill

In 1990, Bobby Flay concluded his tenure as executive chef at Miracle Grill.

January 15, 1991: Executive Chef at Mesa Grill

On January 15, 1991, Bobby Flay took on the role of executive chef at Mesa Grill after being offered the position by Jerome Kretchmer.

May 11, 1991: Marriage to Debra Ponzek

On May 11, 1991, Bobby Flay married Debra Ponzek, who is also a chef.

November 1993: Opening of Bolo Bar & Restaurant

In November 1993, Bobby Flay partnered with Laurence Kretchmer to open Bolo Bar & Restaurant in the Flatiron District.

1993: Divorce from Debra Ponzek

In 1993, Bobby Flay divorced his first wife, Debra Ponzek.

1995: Bobby Flay Joins Food Network

In 1995, Bobby Flay began his appearances on the Food Network, a venture that would later lead to four Daytime Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1995: Marriage to Kate Connelly

In 1995, Bobby Flay married his second wife, Kate Connelly.

1996: Host of 'The Main Ingredient'

In 1996, Bobby Flay hosted 'The Main Ingredient with Bobby Flay' on Lifetime Television.

1998: Separation from Kate Connelly

In 1998, Bobby Flay and Kate Connelly separated.

2000: Iron Chef Battle and Controversy

In 2000, Bobby Flay battled Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto on Iron Chef in New York. Flay lost the battle and Morimoto criticized Flay's professionalism, saying he was "not a chef".

November 18, 2003: Appearance on 'Pyramid'

On November 18, 2003, Bobby Flay appeared on the television game show 'Pyramid' with Mario Batali.

2003: Establishment of Bobby Flay Scholarship

In 2003, Bobby Flay established the Bobby Flay Scholarship at the French Culinary Institute, awarded annually to a student in the Long Island City Culinary Arts Program.

2004: Judge on 'Wickedly Perfect'

During the 2004 season, Bobby Flay appeared as a judge on the CBS television show 'Wickedly Perfect'.

2004: Opening of Second Mesa Grill

In 2004, Bobby Flay opened a second Mesa Grill location at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

February 20, 2005: Marriage to Stephanie March

On February 20, 2005, Bobby Flay married actress Stephanie March.

September 22, 2005: Appearance on 'Law & Order: SVU'

On September 22, 2005, Bobby Flay appeared in the 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' episode "Design".

2005: Opening of Bar Americain

In 2005, Bobby Flay opened Bar Americain, an American Brasserie, in Midtown Manhattan.

November 12, 2006: Iron Chef America Loss

On November 12, 2006, Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis were defeated by Mario Batali and Rachael Ray on a special episode of Iron Chef America.

2006: Role in 'East Broadway'

In 2006, Bobby Flay had a small role as himself in the film 'East Broadway'.

March 28, 2007: Opening of Third Mesa Grill

On March 28, 2007, Bobby Flay opened a third Mesa Grill location in The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

December 31, 2007: Closure of Bolo Bar & Restaurant

On December 31, 2007, Bolo Bar & Restaurant closed its doors to make way for a condominium.

March 12, 2008: Jeopardy! Category

On March 12, 2008, 'Jeopardy!' featured a special "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" category, with each clue featuring Flay.

July 15, 2008: Opening of First Bobby's Burger Palace

On July 15, 2008, Bobby Flay opened his first Bobby's Burger Palace (BBP) at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, Long Island.

November 16, 2008: Iron Chef America Win

On November 16, 2008, Bobby Flay and Michael Symon defeated Cat Cora and Masaharu Morimoto on Iron Chef America.

2008: Michelin Star for Mesa Grill

In 2008, the Mesa Grill in Las Vegas earned Bobby Flay his only Michelin Star.

2009: Sirius XM Radio Show

In 2009, Bobby Flay hosted a weekly call-in show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio offering advice to men.

2009: Loss of Michelin Star

In 2009, the Las Vegas Mesa Grill lost the Michelin Star it had previously earned.

July 2010: Iron Chef America Loss to Chuck Hughes

In July 2010, during an episode recorded for Iron Chef America, Chuck Hughes beat Bobby Flay.

2010: Impersonation on South Park

In 2010, Bobby Flay was impersonated in the South Park cartoon episode 'Crème Fraiche'.

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2010: Michelin Star Not Re-Earned

In 2010, Michelin did not publish a Las Vegas edition, meaning that Bobby Flay could not re-earn the star previously awarded and subsequently lost.

March 2011: Iron Chef America Loss to Chuck Hughes

In March 2011, during an episode broadcast for Iron Chef America, Chuck Hughes beat Bobby Flay.

May 2011: Cancellation of 'America's Next Great Restaurant'

In May 2011, 'America's Next Great Restaurant', hosted by Bobby Flay, was canceled after the first season due to low ratings.

2011: Recurring Role on Entourage

In 2011, Bobby Flay had recurring appearances in the final season of Entourage as the boyfriend of Ari Gold's wife.

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2011: Michelin Star Not Re-Earned

In 2011, Michelin did not publish a Las Vegas edition, meaning that Bobby Flay could not re-earn the star previously awarded and subsequently lost.

2012: Appearance on Portlandia

In 2012, Bobby Flay appeared on Portlandia.

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September 2013: Closure of Original Mesa Grill

In September 2013, the original Mesa Grill in New York closed due to a proposed rent increase by the landlord.

2014: Appointment to Breeders' Cup Board

In 2014, Bobby Flay served on the Breeders' Cup board of directors.

July 2015: Divorce from Stephanie March

In July 2015, Bobby Flay divorced Stephanie March.

February 2016: Relationship with Heléne Yorke

In February 2016, Bobby Flay started dating Heléne Yorke.

2016: Guest Star on Younger

In 2016, Bobby Flay guest starred as himself on season two of the TV series Younger.

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2018: Voice Role in Scooby-Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost

In 2018, Bobby Flay appeared as Fred Jones' uncle in the animated film 'Scooby-Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost'.

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2018: Departure from Breeders' Cup Board

In 2018, Bobby Flay concluded his service on the Breeders' Cup board of directors.

September 2019: Estimated Net Worth

As of September 2019, Bobby Flay's estimated net worth was $30 million.

2019: End of Relationship with Heléne Yorke

In early 2019, Bobby Flay ended his relationship with Heléne Yorke.

April 2021: Launch of Made by Nacho

In April 2021, Bobby Flay, along with Elly Truesdell and Katja Lang, launched Made by Nacho, a premium cat food company.

May 2021: Mesa Grill Conversion and BBP Update

In May 2021, Bobby Flay converted the Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace to an Italian restaurant called Amalfi and updated his Las Vegas Bobby's Burger Palace to Bobby's Burgers.

October 2021: Reported Departure from Food Network

In October 2021, it was reported that Bobby Flay would leave Food Network after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.

November 2021: New Deal with Food Network

In November 2021, Bobby Flay signed a new three-year deal with Food Network.

2022: Role in 'One Delicious Christmas'

In 2022, Bobby Flay played a food and restaurant critic in the made-for-TV movie 'One Delicious Christmas'.

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October 2023: Death of Nacho

In October 2023, Bobby Flay announced the death of his Maine Coon cat, Nacho.

2024: Pepsi Commercial Appearance

In 2024, Bobby Flay starred in a television commercial promoting Pepsi while dancing in conjunction with grilling.

March 2025: Relationship with Brooke Williamson

In March 2025, Bobby Flay started a relationship with fellow chef Brooke Williamson.