Michael Symon is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and Food Network personality known for shows like “Iron Chef America,” “BBQ Brawl,” and “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.” When he’s not filming television shows or opening restaurants, he spends much of his time with his wife, Liz Symon, and their family. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Michael Symon Met His Wife While Working at a Cleveland Restaurant
Michael and Liz first met in 1990 while working together at a Cleveland restaurant called Players.
Symon had just graduated from culinary school and was hired as a cook, while Liz managed the front of the house.
“Liz [his wife] … eventually ended up being my boss,” Symon said during a March 2026 appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
He told The New York Times in 2018 that he was immediately drawn to her confidence and personality.
“I was impressed by the way she carried herself,” he said. “She was very pretty and has a presence.”
Their relationship developed slowly after becoming friends and spending time together outside of work with restaurant staff.
“We’d get done with work, the staff would go out together, we’d get drinks, then we’d make out and think, ‘That was a bad idea, we should just be friends,’” Symon recalled to The New York Times.
“Then a week would pass, we’d go out again, and the same thing would happen.”
The couple dated for two years before getting married on November 1, 1998.
2. Liz Symon Has Been a Major Part of Michael’s Career
Liz has remained closely connected to Michael’s restaurant career for decades.
“She ran the wine program in the front,” Symon said on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” “It actually was perfect. When we met, she was my boss.”
Barrymore joked, “And she’s still your boss.”
“And here I am all these years later,” Symon responded.
Liz also opened up about their relationship in a 2018 interview with The New York Times.
“This is my second marriage, but this is the first time I’ve been able to breathe,” she said.
“Michael is very chill and non-confrontational,” she added. “When you’re around that, it gives you the ability to trust and gain confidence.”
Symon has often spoken honestly about the realities of marriage and long-term relationships.
“Marriage is not easy,” he said on Barrymore’s show. “We’ll get in each other’s grill. We don’t pretend it’s good if it’s not. Sometimes it’s not. Most of the time it’s great.”
3. Michael Became a Stepfather to Liz’s Son, Kyle
Although Michael does not have biological children, he became stepfather to Liz’s son Kyle after marrying her in 1998.
Kyle was 11 years old when the couple tied the knot.
Now an adult, Kyle has built a career in the food business himself. In 2017, he opened Grindstone Coffee and Donuts in Sag Harbor, New York, alongside his wife, Krista.
Michael spoke proudly about helping Kyle open the business during an interview with USA Today.
“[Liz and I] been in the restaurant business for our whole lives, but to see Kyle do it and to do it with him and just help him through the process, to me that’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in my life,” he said.
Kyle and Krista also have two children, making Michael and Liz grandparents.
4. Michael Symon Celebrated a Major Milestone With His Wife
In November 2025, Symon celebrated more than three decades with Liz by sharing a heartfelt Instagram tribute.
“35 years of friendship .. 30 years my lover .. 26 years of marriage,” he wrote.
“I know it hasn’t always been perfect .. I know I am ALOT .. but I also know WE always get through it together.”
He added, “I love you with all of my heart & soul.”
The longtime couple has frequently spoken about working through challenges together over the years.
“I think for me a relationship’s about giving,” Symon said on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” “And also, you’re not always gonna get what you want.”
5. Symon Is Returning to TV With ‘24 in 24: Last Chef Standing’
While balancing family life, Symon continues expanding his television career.
The chef is back as co-host of “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing” alongside Esther Choi.
The cooking competition series features 24 chefs competing in 24 challenges across 24 straight hours.
According to the show’s description, contestants face challenges involving “strategy and speed to precision and elevation” while battling exhaustion throughout the competition.
The winning chef will receive $100,000, the biggest prize in the show’s history.
