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 businesswoman, best known for her Food Network program, Barefoot Contessa. Before her culinary career, she worked in the Office of Management and Budget. Garten's path to food stardom began with her specialty food store, also named Barefoot Contessa, which she later sold. She then transitioned to writing cookbooks, contributing to magazines, and hosting her highly successful television show. She is known for her accessible recipes and emphasis on simple, elegant cooking, with signature dishes including Perfect Roast Chicken and Weeknight Bolognese.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

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: Expansion of Barefoot Contessa

In 1985, Ina Garten opened a second Barefoot Contessa location in East Hampton, expanding the store over seven times its original size and specializing in delicacies.

1996: Sale of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 1996, Ina Garten sold the Barefoot Contessa store after two decades of operation, retaining ownership of the building and taking 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 recipes that made her store successful.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2000: Nomination for James Beard Award

In 2000, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook was nominated for a James Beard Award in the Entertaining & Special Occasion Cookbooks category.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2000: Unsuccessful TV Show Effort

In 2000, an early effort to create a TV show with Martha Stewart's production company proved unsuccessful for Ina Garten.

2001: Release of Barefoot Contessa Parties!

In 2001, Ina Garten released her second cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Parties!, which received praise and generated high sales.

Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun

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2002: Release of Barefoot Contessa Family Style

In 2002, Ina Garten released her cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Family Style.

Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family

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2002: Barefoot Contessa Premieres

In 2002, after the success of her cookbooks, Ina Garten's Food Network program Barefoot Contessa premiered to a positive reception.

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The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2003: Closure of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 2003, the Barefoot Contessa store was permanently closed when the property lease expired. The store was used in the film Something's Gotta Give.

2004: Benefit for Planned Parenthood

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

2005: Recipe in The Best American Recipes

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

2006: Column in O, The Oprah Magazine

In 2006, Ina Garten continued writing columns for O, The Oprah Magazine. She also served as the entertaining, cooking, and party planning consultant for the magazine.

2006: Launch of Barefoot Contessa Pantry

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

2009: Emmy Win

In 2009, Ina Garten won her first Emmy Award for Best Culinary Host for her show Barefoot Contessa.

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2010: Thanksgiving Recipes Featured on Google

For Thanksgiving in 2010, Ina Garten's recipes were featured by Google on their homepage.

2011: End of "Ask the Barefoot Contessa" column

In 2011, Ina Garten's monthly column "Ask the Barefoot Contessa" in House Beautiful magazine ended.

June 2012: Launch of Facebook Blog

In June 2012, Ina Garten started a Facebook blog, quickly gaining over 100,000 followers within three weeks.

2019: Recipe in children's book

In 2019, Ina Garten lent her recipe for potato latkes to author Sheryl Haft for the children's book, Goodnight Bubbala.

Goodnight Bubbala

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2021: Forbes "50 Over 50" List

In 2021, Ina Garten was selected for the inaugural Forbes "50 Over 50" list, recognizing entrepreneurs, leaders, scientists, and creators over the age of 50.