What is José Andrés's Net Worth?
José Andrés is a renowned Spanish celebrity chef and humanitarian with a net worth of $50 million. He achieved widespread recognition in 2010 by founding the not-for-profit organization World Central Kitchen, which provides meals to people affected by natural disasters. In 2015, his work earned him a National Humanities Medal from the US government. As a successful restaurateur, Andrés owns several prestigious restaurants across major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC.
Early Life
Born José Ramón Andrés Puerta on July 13, 1969, in Mieres, Asturias, Spain, Andrés moved to Catalonia with his family when he was six. By the age of 15, he had already enrolled in culinary school in Barcelona. At 18, he served in the Spanish military as a cook for an admiral. His early career was significantly shaped by his work with chef Ferran Adrià at the famed restaurant El Bulli between 1988 and 1990.
Career Beginnings in America
After being let go from El Bulli in 1990, Andrés made the bold decision to move to the United States. With just $50 in his pocket, he landed a cooking job at Eldorado Petit, a Spanish restaurant in New York City. In 1993, he was hired to lead the kitchen at the new Washington, DC tapas restaurant Jaleo, where he later helped open other successful venues like Oyamel and Café Atlantico. At Café Atlantico, Andrés introduced his innovative "minibar" concept, featuring creative small plates.
Rise to Fame
Andrés's culinary success in the United States significantly boosted his profile. In 2005, he launched his own cooking show "Vamos a Cocinar" and published his first book, "Tapas: A Taste of Spain in America." In 2006, he co-founded ThinkFoodGroup with Robert Wilder, leading to the opening of several more restaurants in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, and Puerto Rico. Andrés has also appeared on television programs such as "Iron Chef America," "Made in Spain," and "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations."
World Central Kitchen
In response to the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK). The organization aims to provide meals to those affected by natural disasters and address hunger crises alongside local chefs. WCK has operated in numerous countries, including Ukraine, Cambodia, Zambia, Uganda, Peru, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the United States. Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, Andrés and WCK played a crucial role in Puerto Rico's disaster relief efforts. This extraordinary work was captured in the 2022 documentary film "We Feed People," directed by Ron Howard.
Teaching
Since 2010, Andrés has been involved in teaching gastronomy-related courses at various institutions. He started by co-teaching a culinary physics course with chef Ferran Adrià at Harvard University. In 2012, Andrés and food writer Colman Andrews developed a Spanish cuisine curriculum for the International Culinary Center in New York City. He has also taught at George Washington University.
Honors and Accolades
Andrés has amassed numerous honors and accolades for his culinary and philanthropic efforts. He won the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2003 and was named Chef of the Year by Bon Appetit magazine the following year. GQ magazine awarded him the same title in 2009. In 2010, he received the Vilcek Prize in Culinary Arts and was named Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation. In 2015, his work with World Central Kitchen garnered him the National Humanities Medal. Three years later, he was named James Beard Humanitarian of the Year. Among his other commendations are the Julia Child Award and the Princess of Asturias Award. Additionally, Andrés holds multiple honorary degrees from prestigious institutions such as George Washington University, Tufts University, Harvard University, and Georgetown University.
Personal Life
Andrés met his wife, Patricia Fernández de la Cruz, while living in Washington, DC. Together, they have three daughters and reside in Bethesda, Maryland. Since late 2013, Andrés has been a naturalized citizen of the United States.