Marie Riccio, a renowned American restaurateur and culinary expert, is best known as the ex-wife of the late celebrity chef Carl Ruiz and the owner of Marie’s Italian Specialties in Chatham, New Jersey. As of 2025, Marie Riccio’s age is 44, born on February 13, 1981. Her net worth is estimated at $2 million, earned through her successful restaurant business. Although divorced from Carl Ruiz in 2018, she remains a single mother to her fraternal twins, focusing on her career and family. This article explores her age, net worth, married life, dating history, salary, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Early Life and Background: Marie Riccio’s Age and Roots
Born in Chatham, New Jersey, on February 13, 1981, Marie Riccio is currently 44 years old as of 2025. Growing up in a Sicilian-American family, her parents, Martin and Joyce Riccio, instilled a deep love for culinary arts, influenced by their Italian heritage. Marie’s early exposure to food came from her family’s local bakery, which sparked her passion for cooking. She graduated from Rutgers University, earning a bachelor’s degree, which equipped her with business acumen to later manage her restaurant. Her Sicilian roots contribute to her unique culinary style, blending tradition with innovation.
Career Journey: Building a Culinary Legacy
Marie Riccio’s career as a restaurateur began with the opening of Marie’s Italian Specialties in 2011, alongside her then-husband, Carl Ruiz. Located in Hickory Square Mall, Chatham Township, the restaurant became a local gem, celebrated for dishes like the brick chicken entrée and sacred swine sandwich. After her divorce, Marie took sole ownership, showcasing her resilience and business expertise. Her salary is not publicly disclosed, but her restaurant’s success contributes significantly to her $2 million net worth. Marie’s appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2013 elevated her profile, highlighting her culinary prowess.
Unique Insight: The Challenges of Solo Ownership
Running a restaurant post-divorce presented challenges, from managing staff to maintaining quality. In a 2024 interview with a local New Jersey food blog, Marie shared, “Taking over the restaurant alone was daunting, but it taught me to trust my instincts and lean into my passion for Sicilian flavors.” Her ability to adapt recipes, like incorporating seasonal ingredients, keeps her menu fresh and customers returning. This hands-on approach sets her apart in a competitive industry.
Personal Life: Married Life, Divorce, and Dating
Marie Riccio’s married life with Carl Ruiz began in the late 2000s, driven by their shared love for cooking. The couple’s restaurant venture strengthened their bond, but compatibility issues led to their divorce in 2018. Despite the split, they remained friends until Carl’s untimely death in 2019 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at age 44. As of 2025, Marie is not publicly dating, focusing on raising her fraternal twins, Robert V. Kirby and Michelle M. Kirby, born in October 2005. Speculation about a prior marriage to Robert Kirby exists, but Marie has not confirmed these claims.
Case Study: Balancing Motherhood and Business
Marie’s life as a single mother and restaurateur offers a compelling case study. Juggling parenting and a demanding career, she prioritizes family time, often involving her twins in the restaurant’s operations. “My kids help with small tasks, like taste-testing new dishes. It’s our way of bonding,” she noted in a 2023 social media post. This balance highlights her strength and dedication, inspiring other single parents in entrepreneurship.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Marie Riccio’s net worth is estimated at $2 million in 2025, derived from her restaurant and past media appearances. While Carl Ruiz’s net worth was $3 million at his passing, Marie’s financial independence stems from her business acumen. Her restaurant’s feature on Food Network boosted its popularity, driving revenue. Unlike many restaurateurs, Marie avoids lavish spending, maintaining a modest lifestyle focused on her children and business growth.
Data Point: Restaurant Industry Trends
According to a 2024 National Restaurant Association report, independent restaurants like Marie’s contribute significantly to local economies, with 70% of revenue reinvested into communities. Marie’s success aligns with this trend, as her restaurant employs local staff and sources ingredients from nearby farms, enhancing her net worth and community impact.
Recent Updates: Marie Riccio in 2025
As of 2025, Marie Riccio continues to thrive as a single mother and businesswoman. Her twins, now 20 years old, are pursuing higher education, with Robert interested in culinary arts and Michelle exploring business management. Marie has expanded her restaurant’s menu to include plant-based Italian options, reflecting modern dietary trends. She remains active on Facebook, sharing updates about her restaurant and family milestones, though her Instagram is private. Her focus on sustainability, like using eco-friendly packaging, has earned her praise in local media.
Biography Table: Marie Riccio’s Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marie Antonia Riccio |
| Nickname | Marie Kirby |
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chatham, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Sicilian |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree, Rutgers University |
| Profession | Restaurateur, Culinary Expert |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Carl Ruiz, Owner of Marie’s Italian Specialties |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Carl Ruiz in 2018) |
| Children | Fraternal twins: Robert V. Kirby, Michelle M. Kirby (born October 2005) |
| Parents | Martin Riccio, Joyce Riccio |
| Siblings | None (assumed only child) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Net Worth | $2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram (private) |
| Restaurant | Marie’s Italian Specialties |
| Notable Appearances | Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (2013) |
Unique Angle: Empowering Women in Culinary Arts
Marie’s journey as a female restaurateur in a male-dominated industry offers a unique perspective. Her success challenges stereotypes, as only 24% of U.S. restaurant owners are women, per a 2023 industry survey. By mentoring young female chefs at her restaurant, Marie fosters the next generation of culinary talent. “I want my daughter and other women to see they can lead in this industry,” she said in a 2024 community event. Her story resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs, blending age, net worth, and personal resilience.
Conclusion: Marie Riccio’s Lasting Impact
Marie Riccio, at 44 years old, has carved a niche in the culinary world through Marie’s Italian Specialties. Her $2 million net worth, built from her restaurant and media exposure, reflects her dedication. Despite her divorce from Carl Ruiz and his tragic passing, Marie’s focus on her career, family, and community remains unwavering. With no public dating life, she prioritizes her twins and business growth. Follow her journey on Facebook or visit Marie’s Italian Specialties for a taste of her Sicilian-inspired cuisine. For more on her late ex-husband, see Carl Ruiz’s Wikipedia.
