Challenges in the Life of Gordon Ramsay in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Gordon Ramsay's life and career.

Gordon Ramsay is a highly acclaimed British chef, restaurateur, television personality, and writer. He founded Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 1997, which has earned a total of 17 Michelin stars; currently holding eight, his flagship restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, has maintained three Michelin stars since 2001. Gaining prominence through the television series Boiling Point in 1999, Ramsay has become one of the most renowned and influential chefs globally.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1936: Renamed of Laurier Gordon Ramsay

On 21 March 2012, Ramsay filed a $2.7 million lawsuit against his former partners of his restaurant in Montreal, Quebec, the Laurier Gordon Ramsay (since renamed The Laurier 1936), over lost licensing fees and defamatory statements made against him.

1998: Lawsuit from A-Z Restaurants

In 1998, following Ramsay's resignation from the Aubergine, A-Z restaurants sued him for £1 million citing lost revenue and breach of contract, but eventually settled out of court.

June 2007: Lawsuit from terminated general manager of Purnima

In June 2007, Ramsay's show was sued by the terminated general manager (Martin Hyde) of the New York restaurant Purnima (Dillon's), who also alleged fakery in Kitchen Nightmares.

2007: signing of the 25-year lease of the York & Albany pub

Ramsay tried to nullify the 25-year lease, signed in 2007.

2008: Ramsay and Wareing fall out

In 2008, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing fell out. Wareing kept the restaurant premises and the stars, while Ramsay received rights to the name Pétrus.

2008: Fall off Cliff

In 2008, while filming a puffin hunting segment in Iceland's Westman Islands, Ramsay fell off an 85-metre (279 ft) cliff into icy water. He was rescued by his film crew.

March 2012: $2.7 million Lawsuit Filed Against Former Partners

April 2013: Closure of Laurier 1936

On 16 April 2013, Laurier 1936 closed.

June 2013: Closure of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's

In June 2013, one of Ramsay's restaurants, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, closed.

October 2013: Gordon Ramsay at The London lost Michelin stars

In October 2013, Gordon Ramsay at The London restaurant in New York lost its two Michelin stars because Michelin reviewers encountered "very erratic meals" and "issues with consistency".

January 2014: High Court Case Loss in York & Albany Pub Dispute

In January 2014, Ramsay lost a high court case in relation to the York & Albany pub, involving a misused "ghost writing" machine. The judge dismissed the case and ordered Ramsay to pay all legal costs and outstanding monies.

March 2020: Layoffs due to coronavirus lockdown

On 24 March 2020, Ramsay laid off more than 500 staff in the UK after a number of his restaurants had to close temporarily under the coronavirus lockdown.

December 2021: GRNA Strategy Update

In December 2021, GRNA CEO Norman Abdallah announced an updated strategy to open 75 new company-owned locations across the United States between 2022 and 2026, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022: GRNA Strategy Update

GRNA CEO Norman Abdallah announced an updated strategy to open 75 new company-owned locations across the United States between 2022 and 2026, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2024: Bicycle Accident

In June 2024, Ramsay was involved in a bicycle accident in Connecticut, US, resulting in bruising and emphasizing the importance of wearing a helmet.

2024: Original target to open 100 restaurants

The original plan was to open 100 restaurants by 2024, but this was slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2026: GRNA Strategy Update

GRNA CEO Norman Abdallah announced an updated strategy to open 75 new company-owned locations across the United States between 2022 and 2026, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.