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, TV personality, and writer. He founded Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 1997, which has earned 17 Michelin stars, with eight currently held. His flagship restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, has maintained three Michelin stars since 2001. Rising to prominence after the British television series Boiling Point, Ramsay has become one of the world's most recognized and influential chefs.

Sections (6)

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

1984: Trial with Rangers

In 1984, Gordon Ramsay had a trial with Rangers but seriously injured his knee, smashing the cartilage during training. Ramsay claimed he played two first-team games for Rangers.

September 1985: Played for Rangers in Testimonial Match

In September 1985, Gordon Ramsay played for Rangers in a testimonial match as a trialist. Allan Cairns, a photographer, captured Ramsay playing, clarifying it wasn't the first team.

1998: Lawsuit from A-Z Restaurants

In 1998, following Ramsay's resignation from 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 by Terminated General Manager of Purnima

In June 2007, Ramsay's show was sued by the terminated general manager of the New York restaurant Purnima (Dillon's), who alleged fakery, alleging that 'problems uncovered and solved' by Ramsay were created by him and his staff.

August 2007: Dismissal of Lawsuit and Order into Arbitration

In August 2007, the lawsuit against Ramsay by the terminated general manager of Purnima was dismissed voluntarily and ordered into arbitration as stipulated in their contract.

2008: Fallout with Wareing

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.

March 2012: $2.7 Million Lawsuit Against Former Partners

In March 2012, Ramsay filed a $2.7 million lawsuit against his former partners of his restaurant in Montreal, Quebec, the Laurier Gordon Ramsay, over lost licensing fees and defamatory statements.

April 2013: Closure of Laurier 1936

On 16 April 2013, just over a year after the lawsuit was filed, Laurier 1936, formerly known as Laurier Gordon Ramsay, closed.

June 2013: Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's Closure

In June 2013, another of Ramsay's restaurants, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, closed its doors.

October 2013: Gordon Ramsay at The London loses Michelin stars

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

2014: The Fat Cow Closed

In 2014, The Fat Cow in Los Angeles closed amid legal issues. That year also saw the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in Las Vegas.

March 2020: Layoffs in the UK due to Coronavirus Lockdown

On 24 March 2020, Gordon Ramsay laid off more than 500 staff in the UK after a number of his restaurants had to close temporarily under the coronavirus lockdown, leading to criticism despite his estimated net income of US$63 million in 2019.

December 2021: GRNA Updates US Expansion Strategy

In December 2021, Gordon Ramsay North America (GRNA) CEO Norman Abdallah updated the expansion strategy to open 75 new company-owned locations across the United States between 2022 and 2026, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.