Career Timeline of Ina Garten: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Ina Garten, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ina Garten is an American television cook, author, and host of Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa." Initially working in the Office of Management and Budget, she transitioned to the culinary world by opening a gourmet food store, Barefoot Contessa. This venture paved the way for her successful career, including best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, and her popular television show. Garten is known for her approachable recipes and simple techniques, featuring dishes like Perfect Roast Chicken and Weeknight Bolognese. Her brand emphasizes accessible elegance in home cooking.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1972: Move to Washington, D.C.

In 1972, Ina and her husband moved to Washington, D.C., where she further refined her home entertaining skills, hosting weekly dinner parties.

1978: Purchase of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 1978, Ina Garten left her government job and purchased the Barefoot Contessa, a 400-square-foot specialty food store in Westhampton Beach, New York.

1985: Opening of Second Barefoot Contessa Location

In 1985, Ina Garten opened a second Barefoot Contessa store in East Hampton, Long Island, in the space previously occupied by Dean & DeLuca. This location was significantly larger and offered a wider range of delicacies.

1996: Sale of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 1996, after two decades of running it, Ina Garten sold the Barefoot Contessa store to two employees, Amy Forst and Parker Hodges, while retaining ownership of the building. Following this, she took a one-year sabbatical.

1999: Publication of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

In 1999, Ina Garten published her first cookbook, 'The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook,' which became a bestseller. It contained the recipes that made her store successful and exceeded expectations, selling over 100,000 copies in its first year.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2002: Premiere of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network

In 2002, Ina Garten's Food Network program, 'Barefoot Contessa', premiered to a positive reception. This followed her initial success with cookbooks and appearances on Martha Stewart's show.

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2004: Benefit for Planned Parenthood

In 2004, Ina Garten hosted a benefit for Planned Parenthood.

2005: Lemon Roast Chicken Recipe Featured

In 2005, one of Ina Garten's recipes, 'lemon roast chicken with croutons', was featured in 'The Best American Recipes 2005–2006'.

2006: Launch of Barefoot Contessa Pantry Line

In 2006, Ina Garten, with her business partner Frank Newbold, launched her own line of packaged cake mixes, marinades, sauces, and preserves branded as 'Barefoot Contessa Pantry' in conjunction with Stonewall Kitchen.

2006: Garten's Recipe in 'Today's Kitchen Cookbook'

In 2006, one of Ina Garten's dishes was selected for 'Today's Kitchen Cookbook', a compilation of popular recipes from The Today Show.

2011: End of 'Ask the Barefoot Contessa' Column

In 2011, Ina Garten's monthly column "Ask the Barefoot Contessa" in House Beautiful magazine came to an end. The column provided cooking, entertaining, and lifestyle tips in response to readers' letters.