Ina Garten is arguably one of the most famous—and beloved—celebrity chefs in the world. Although the bestselling cookbook author and The Barefoot Contessa star is an expert in the kitchen now, she had a very unconventional path on her way to becoming a professional chef. Through her unexpected journey to kitchen stardom, the 71-year-old has amassed a significant net worth.
Believe it or not, Ina’s first career was pretty much the polar opposite of whipping up decadent meals for a living—she worked in finance. Specifically, she held a position in the Office of Management and Budget at the White House in 1978 during Jimmy Carter’s administration. Even at the time, Ina knew she was destined "to do something more creative and fun than writing nuclear energy budgets," she pens in her blog. One day she came across an advertisem*nt in the New York Times for a speciality food store for sale in the Hamptons. After deciding to check out the shop with her husband, Jeffrey, "it was love at first sight." With no business experience to her name, Ina made an offer on the shop with money she made flipping houses in Washington D.C., according to the Washington Post. Soon after, Ina was the proud owner of the The Barefoot Contessa.
Make Delicious Dishes With Ina's Bestselling Cookbooks
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'Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks'
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'Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook'
The store was a huge success, and after 18 years of running the store, Ina sold it to its manager and its chef. Starting in 1996, she began writing cookbooks, and The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, released in 1999, became a best-seller, soon making her a household name. Ina credits its success to the hands-on approach she took to creating it; she told Forbes she hired her own photographer and publicist for it.
Her successful cookbooks led to her Food Network show in 2002, The Barefoot Contessa, which has been a hit. "I do the TV because it's an important part of the business, but it's the cookbooks I love writing,” she told Forbes. She’s also hosted Cook Like a Pro on the network. Previously, according to a 2013 book about the network, Ina apparently tried to sell a cooking show to Martha Stewart Living and shot pilot episodes, but Stewart ended up nixing the project.
Only Ina and her accountant know her net worth for sure, but various sites have estimated that Ina is pulling in big bucks. Celebritynetworth.com estimates her net worth at $50 million, thanks to her Food Network show, cookbooks, grocery line, and merchandise.
Ina husband, Jeffrey, is also a financial powerhouse. According to Celebritynetworth.com, Jeffrey is worth $100 million, mostly thanks to his former jobs as managing director of Lehman Brothers and Blackstone Group. Previously, Jeffrey worked in economic policy during the Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations, and is now an author and professor at the Yale School of Management.
Ina and Jeffrey also own some impressive real estate. In 2016, Forbes reported that they bought a $4.65 million apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in NYC. She recently posted on Instagram about a new custom Lacanche range she installed there, which costs $15,000.
In 2017, they put a second New York City apartment in the area up for sale for $1.975 million. Their primary residence is in East Hampton, New York, where Ina films her television show. They have expanded and renovated their property several times over the years, but it’s clear it’s where they call home—and where Ina makes her impressive living.
FAQs
You can be miserable before you have a cookie and you can be miserable after you eat a cookie but you can't be miserable while you are eating a cookie. Food is about nurturing: not only physical but also emotional nurturing.
How much is Ina Garten's husband worth? ›
Ina husband, Jeffrey, is also a financial powerhouse. According to Celebritynetworth.com, Jeffrey is worth $100 million, mostly thanks to his former jobs as managing director of Lehman Brothers and Blackstone Group.
Did Anthony Bourdain like Ina Garten? ›
"In many ways I want Ina's life." Anthony Bourdain isn't one to shy away from feuding with his fellow celebrity chefs, but even he has a soft spot for Ina Garten.
Why do people like Ina Garten? ›
It's difficult to find any cooking enthusiast who doesn't love Ina Garten. Her authentic, down-to-earth style has endeared her to millions of foodies and television viewers, evidenced by the success of her cookbooks, which have become New York Times bestsellers (via The New York Times).
Is Ina Garten Religious? ›
Garten is Jewish by birth and heritage, as is her husband, but rarely refers to her religion and ethnicity, though they are showcased through the inclusion of classic Jewish cooking in her television show and cookbooks, when she makes such dishes as rugelach, challah, and brisket.
Is Ina Garten separated from her husband? ›
Ina and Jeffrey Garten have been married for over 50 years, having tied the knot in 1968.
Does Ina Garten cook in her own home? ›
Several years ago, Garten built a second kitchen in a barn on her property so she could have somewhere to film episodes of Barefoot Contessa (she told Oprah Daily all about it in 2021). But Garten's home kitchen, where she still cooks meals for friends and family, has remained untouched for 25 years—at least until now.
Is Ina Garten a chef or a cook? ›
Her fame may be relatively quiet — she doesn't have a line of cookware, there isn't a namesake restaurant — but make no mistake: Ina Garten is a powerhouse celeb chef. Fans know her story well: From a White House budget analyst to specialty food-store owner, her path to stardom has been slow and steady.
What ethnicity is Ina Garten? ›
Born Ina Rosenberg to a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York City and grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, Garten was one of two children born to Charles H. Rosenberg, a surgeon specializing in otolaryngology, and his wife, Florence (née Rich), a dietitian.
Are Bobby Flay and Ina Garten friends? ›
Flay and Garten have been friends and colleagues for decades, so it's no surprise that Flay has such respect for her person and her cooking. And Garten has returned that love in kind. In an interview with the Food Network, Garten waxed impressed about the staggering achievements and stamina of Flay.
Bourdain and Gordon enjoyed a years-long friendship and respected one another's accomplishments in food.
Who taught Ina Garten to cook? ›
Without a formal culinary education, she says, "Julia Child was my cooking school."
Why did Ina Garten refuse to make a wish? ›
The child's wish was to meet Garten because he would watch her show from his sickbed. Various blogs, articles and other media state Garten rejected the request because of scheduling conflicts.
Does Ina Garten have a college degree? ›
Ina Garten once worked in the White House and worked her way up, which eventually put her in charge of writing the nuclear budget for the United States. She also managed to earn her MBA from George Washington University at the same time. Despite her success, she decided she wanted a different life.
What car does Ina Garten drive? ›
Ina Garten Delights in Hitchco*ck Thrillers and Her Mini Cooper.
What is Ina Garten best known for? ›
She is host of the Food Network program Barefoot Contessa, and was a former staff member of the Office of Management and Budget. Among her dishes are Perfect Roast Chicken, Weeknight Bolognese, French Apple Tart, and a simplified version of beef bourguignon.
Did Ina Garten want kids? ›
The decision not to have kids is something Ina says was never a “struggle” for her. “I had no interest in having children. I had a terrible childhood, and it was nothing I wanted to recreate,” the Food Network star explained.
How rich is Ina Garten? ›
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ina Garten's net worth in 2024 is estimated at $60 million. When combined with that of her husband Jeffrey, that amount is estimated at a whopping $120 million.
