Eric Adjepong, a Ghanaian-American chef, television personality, and author, has captivated audiences with his innovative West African cuisine and storytelling through food. As of 2025, Eric Adjepong’s age is 38, born on August 5, 1987, in New York City. His net worth is estimated at $8 million, amassed through his culinary career, TV appearances, and ventures like Pinch & Plate. Married to Janell Davis-Mack since 2017, they share a daughter, Lennox. While his salary remains undisclosed, his multifaceted career suggests substantial earnings. This article delves into his biography, dating history, career, and recent updates.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Born in the Bronx to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Benjamin Adjepong and Abena Agyeman, Eric grew up immersed in Ghanaian culture. His childhood was flavored with dishes like jollof rice and kelewele, sparking a lifelong passion for West African cuisine. “Food was our way of staying connected to Ghana,” Eric shared in a 2024 Forbes interview. His early exposure to diverse New York City flavors, combined with family traditions, shaped his unique culinary style, blending West African, Caribbean, and Southern American influences.
After losing his father to stomach cancer in 2004, Eric leaned into cooking as a form of resilience. His mother’s encouragement led him to pursue formal training, earning a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts and Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University and a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Westminster.
Education and Career Beginnings
Eric’s academic background sets him apart in the culinary world. His public health nutrition expertise informs his approach to food as a cultural and wellness tool. After graduating, he honed his skills in Michelin-starred New York restaurants, mastering techniques that he later infused with West African flavors. His career breakthrough came in 2018 as a finalist on Top Chef: Kentucky, where he showcased Ghanaian-inspired dishes, earning praise for storytelling through food, such as narrating the transatlantic slave trade’s culinary impact.
Eric Adjepong’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
As of 2025, Eric Adjepong’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, driven by his television hosting, catering business, and cookbook deals. His salary is not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest TV hosts and celebrity chefs earn between $50,000 to $100,000 per episode, with additional income from endorsements like his Tanqueray partnership. His catering company, Pinch & Plate, co-founded with his wife, generates significant revenue through pop-up events and private dinners. Unlike peers like Gordon Ramsay, Eric’s wealth reflects a balance of media presence and entrepreneurial ventures.
Married Life and Dating History
Eric Adjepong is married to Janell Davis-Mack, a human resources specialist and decor consultant. They met via Facebook, bonded over food, and got engaged in 2016, marrying on May 21, 2017, in Philadelphia. Their daughter, Lennox, born in 2018, is a central part of their lives. Eric has shared that Janell’s support was pivotal during his Top Chef journey. Despite some outdated reports suggesting a divorce, recent posts on Eric’s Instagram (@chefericadjepong) confirm their strong partnership. Little is known about Eric’s dating history before Janell, as he keeps his personal life private.
Recent Career Highlights and Updates
In 2025, Eric continues to shine as a culinary innovator. He hosts Alex vs. America and Wildcard Kitchen on Food Network, showcasing his charisma and expertise. His cookbook, Ghana to the World: Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past, released in March 2025, blends traditional Ghanaian recipes with modern twists. Eric’s collaboration with Tanqueray for the “Damn Fancy” dinner series in January 2024 drew over 12,000 entries, highlighting his growing influence.
His delayed restaurant project, On the Double, remains a goal, with plans to open in Washington, D.C., by 2026. Eric also partners with East and Bistro in Accra, Ghana, expanding his global footprint. His commitment to community is evident through his work with Save the Children and nutrition-focused initiatives.
Unique Insights: Storytelling Through Food
What sets Eric apart is his ability to weave history into his dishes. For instance, his Top Chef finale menu in 2018 explored the transatlantic slave trade’s culinary legacy, earning critical acclaim. In a 2025 interview, he said, “Every plate is a story, a bridge between my heritage and the world.” My own experience dining at a Pinch & Plate pop-up revealed his knack for pairing bold flavors—like shito-spiced shrimp with Southern cornbread—with thoughtful tablescapes curated by Janell.
Eric Adjepong Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Adjepong |
| Age | 38 (Born August 5, 1987) |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | Ghanaian-American |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts and Nutrition, Johnson & Wales University; MPH, University of Westminster |
| Occupation | Chef, TV Personality, Author, Caterer |
| Net Worth | $8 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Undisclosed; estimated $50,000–$100,000 per TV episode |
| Marital Status | Married to Janell Davis-Mack (since May 21, 2017) |
| Children | Daughter, Lennox (born September 6, 2018) |
| Business Ventures | Co-owner of Pinch & Plate; Partner at East and Bistro, Accra, Ghana |
| Notable TV Appearances | Top Chef: Kentucky (Finalist), Top Chef All-Stars, Alex vs. America, Wildcard Kitchen |
| Cookbook | Ghana to the World (2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Social Media | Instagram: @chefericadjepong; Twitter: @ChedAdjepong |
Why Eric Adjepong Stands Out
Eric’s rise isn’t just about culinary skill; it’s about cultural advocacy. His focus on West African cuisine challenges the Eurocentric culinary narrative, making him a pioneer for underrepresented flavors. Unlike many celebrity chefs, his public health background adds depth, addressing food accessibility and nutrition. His James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef (Northwest & Pacific) underscores his influence.
External Links
- Eric Adjepong’s Wikipedia Page
- Food Network Profile
- Pinch & Plate Official Website
- Forbes Interview on Tanqueray Collaboration
- Instagram: @chefericadjepong
- Twitter: @ChedAdjepong
Eric Adjepong’s journey from the Bronx to global culinary stardom is a testament to passion, heritage, and innovation. His age, net worth, married life, and career reflect a chef who’s not just cooking but reshaping how we view food.
