Andrew Gruel is a famous American chef, restaurateur, and TV personality born on July 12, 1980, in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Known for his innovative ideas, he has transformed the restaurant business with unique concepts. Gruel is also celebrated for his media appearances and culinary expertise.
Andrew Gruel has redefined modern dining with bold ideas and creative dishes. As a culinary innovator, he’s gained widespread recognition for his fresh approach to food. Want to discover his secret to success and Andrew Gruel Net Worth?
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Andrew Gruel |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1980 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 44 Years |
| Birthplace | Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
| Height | Not disclosed; in the US, only 14.5% of men are 6ft or taller |
| Wife | Lauren Gruel |
| Children | 4 |
| Net Worth (2024) | $4 Million |
| Education | Pingry School (1998); Bates College; Johnson & Wales University (Culinary Arts, Food Marketing) |
| Career Highlights | Founder of American Gravy Restaurant Group, former founder of Slapfish Restaurant Group, TV appearances, and radio show host |
| Expertise | Culinary Arts, Food Marketing, Restaurant Management, Seafood Innovation, and Business Leadership |
| Television Appearances | BBC’s The Endless Feast, Eat St., Food Truck Face Off, Say It To My Face!, Chopped Junior, Fox News programs |
| Radio Shows | Cooking with Gruel, The SoCal Restaurant Show |
| Restaurants | Slapfish Restaurant Group, Big Parm, Two Birds, Butterleaf, Calico Fish House |
| Awards and Honors | Pandemic Heroes (Restaurant Business Magazine), Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Power List, Fast Casual Top 25 Business Executives (2016), Top 40 Under-40 Entrepreneurs in Orange County (2013) |
| Social Media | LinkedIn (1,270 followers), Instagram (@andrewgruel), YouTube (@andrewgruel) |
Who is Andrew Gruel?
Andrew Gruel is a celebrated chef and entrepreneur who has transformed the culinary scene with innovative restaurant concepts. Known for his creative seafood dishes, he first gained fame with the Slapfish Restaurant Group. His expertise spans culinary arts, food marketing, and business leadership.
Beyond restaurants, Gruel has become a media figure with appearances on popular TV shows like Chopped Junior and Food Truck Face-Off. He also engages audiences through his radio programs, sharing insights on cooking and the restaurant industry.
What is Andrew Gruel’s educational background?
Andrew Gruel began his academic journey at Pingry School, graduating in 1998. He furthered his education at Bates College, exploring diverse subjects to lay a foundation for his career. His passion for food led him to pursue professional studies in culinary arts.
At Johnson & Wales University, Gruel specialized in Culinary Arts and Food Marketing. This dual focus equipped him with the skills to excel both in the kitchen and as a business leader. His education remains a cornerstone of his innovative approach to the restaurant industry.
Andrew Gruel’s Wife and Family
Andrew Gruel is married to Lauren Gruel, and together they share a close personal and professional bond. The couple balances their family life while raising their four children. Their partnership reflects shared values and a commitment to supporting each other’s endeavors.
Despite his busy career, Gruel prioritizes family time and maintains a strong connection with his loved ones. His approach to life emphasizes collaboration and balance, making his personal life as inspiring as his professional achievements.
What is Andrew Gruel Net Worth
Andrew Gruel has achieved considerable financial success through his restaurant ventures and media appearances. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $4 million. His entrepreneurial journey in the food industry continues to contribute to his growing wealth.
His restaurants, like Slapfish and American Gravy Restaurant Group, have been key players in his rise to financial success. Additionally, Gruel’s media presence on TV and radio further boosts his income, adding to his impressive net worth.
Primary and Professional Information
Andrew Gruel’s passion for food began at an early age, laying the foundation for his future career. After attending Pingry School, he pursued higher education at Bates College, where he further developed his culinary interests.
At Johnson & Wales University, Gruel honed his skills in both Culinary Arts and Food Marketing, combining practical kitchen expertise with a solid understanding of the business side of the food industry. This unique combination of skills helped shape his success as a restaurateur.
Restaurant Ventures
Andrew Gruel is a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, known for creating innovative dining experiences. His first major venture, Slapfish Restaurant Group, gained attention for its fresh and creative seafood dishes.
After stepping away from Slapfish, Gruel expanded his culinary empire with the launch of the American Gravy Restaurant Group. This new venture introduced a diverse selection of eateries, including Big Parm, Two Birds, Butterleaf, and Calico Fish House, each offering unique and flavorful menu items.
What restaurants does Andrew Gruel own?
Andrew Gruel is the founder of several successful restaurant concepts, showcasing his innovative approach to dining. His ventures include Big Parm, known for its creative Italian-American dishes, and Two Birds, which focuses on gourmet chicken.
Additionally, Gruel owns Butterleaf, a plant-based restaurant, and Calico Fish House, a seafood eatery offering fresh, sustainable options. Each restaurant reflects his passion for quality ingredients and unique culinary experiences.
Building a Restaurant Empire: Andrew Gruel’s Journey
Andrew Gruel transformed a single food truck into the dynamic American Gravy Restaurant Group, now home to several successful restaurant concepts. Here’s a look at how his business grew over the years:
Timeline of Growth
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Launched the first Slapfish food truck |
| 2012 | Opened the first Slapfish brick-and-mortar |
| 2014 | Began franchising the Slapfish brand |
| 2018 | Reached over 20 Slapfish locations |
| 2020 | Introduced the Big Parm Italian concept |
| 2022 | Expanded into international markets |
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Expanding Beyond Slapfish
The runaway success of Slapfish paved the way for Gruel to develop additional innovative dining concepts under his leadership:
- Two Birds: A chicken-focused eatery.
- Big Parm: Classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
- Butterleaf: A plant-based dining experience.
- Raw Bar by Slapfish: A seafood-centric venture celebrating fresh ingredients.
Andrew Gruel’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how passion and innovation can build a thriving restaurant empire.
Which television shows has Andrew Gruel appeared on?
Andrew Gruel has made numerous television appearances, showcasing his culinary expertise to a broad audience. He has appeared on BBC’s The Endless Feast, where he explored food trends, and Eat St., highlighting food trucks across the country.
In addition to these shows, Gruel also participated in Food Truck Face Off, where he competed against other chefs, and Chopped Junior, a popular cooking competition for young chefs. His dynamic presence on TV has solidified his role as a recognized food personality.
TV and Media Work
Andrew Gruel has extended his culinary expertise into television, becoming a familiar face on multiple major networks. His television appearances include BBC’s The Endless Feast, Eat St., Food Truck Face Off, and Say It To My Face!, where his cooking and lively personality shine.
In addition to his TV work, Gruel hosts his radio shows, Cooking With Gruel on KFI AM640 and The SoCal Restaurant Show, which he’s been hosting for several years. His media presence also includes spots on national programs like The Today Show and The Cooking Channel.
Recognition and Awards
Andrew Gruel has earned significant recognition for his impact on the restaurant industry. He was featured in the Restaurant Business Magazine 2021 class of Pandemic Heroes and included in Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Power List for his contributions.
Additionally, Gruel’s achievements led to him being named in Fast Casual’s Top 25 Business Executives in 2016. His entrepreneurial spirit was further celebrated when OC METRO recognized him as one of their Top 40 Under-40 Entrepreneurs in Orange County in 2013.
Social Media Presence
Andrew Gruel actively engages with his audience across various platforms, sharing insights into his culinary expertise, business ventures, and personal experiences. His verified social media accounts provide a comprehensive look at his world of food and entrepreneurship.
| Platform | Handle/URL | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.chefgruel.com | Official website with detailed information about his ventures. |
| @andrewgruel | Culinary updates and personal insights. | |
| X (formerly Twitter) | @ChefGruel | Quick updates and interactive posts. |
| YouTube | Andrew Gruel | Expert videos on food and business. |
| Andrew Gruel | Professional insights and network updates. |
These platforms highlight Andrew Gruel’s multifaceted presence, allowing followers to stay connected and inspired by his journey.
Conclusion
Andrew Gruel, born on July 12, 1980, in Bridgewater, New Jersey, is a renowned American chef and restaurateur. His net worth is estimated at $4 million in 2024, a result of his successful restaurant ventures like Slapfish and American Gravy Restaurant Group. Gruel is also known for his appearances on popular TV shows such as Chopped Junior, Food Truck Face Off, and BBC’s The Endless Feast, along with hosting radio programs like “Cooking With Gruel.”
He is married to Lauren Gruel, and together they have four children. Gruel’s educational background includes studies in Culinary Arts and Food Marketing from Johnson & Wales University. His business leadership and innovative approach to dining have earned him several accolades, including recognition in industry lists like Fast Casual’s Top 25 Business Executives and OC METRO’s Top 40 Under-40 Entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids does Andrew Gruel have?
Andrew Gruel has four children with his wife, Lauren Gruel. Their family life is an important part of his personal story and public image.
Who is the restaurateur on Gutfeld?
Andrew Gruel is often featured on Gutfeld! as a guest or expert. He shares his insights on the restaurant industry and culinary trends with the audience.
Andrew Gruel nationality?
Andrew Gruel is American, born in Bridgewater, New Jersey. His work and influence, however, extend beyond the United States.
Andrew Gruel restaurant locations?
Gruel’s restaurant ventures are mainly located in Southern California. He has a variety of establishments such as Slapfish and American Gravy Restaurant Group.
Andrew Gruel family?
Andrew Gruel is married to Lauren Gruel, and together they have four children. They maintain a close-knit family life while balancing their professional achievements.
Dear Andrew,
Just saw your interview on Fox news about helping the people involved in the horrific California wild fires, God Bless you and your staff for helping. I watch you on Greg Gutfeld show and love your perspective on events we’re dealing with.
Thank you for your kind words and support! Helping those affected by the California wildfires is truly important to us. I’m glad you enjoy my perspective on the Gutfeld show—it means a lot.
Best,
Andrew