Let me tell you a story about a guy who’s not only a rockstar in the kitchen but also a devoted husband and stepdad. Since 1998, chef Michael Symon has been lighting up the Food Network with his charm and culinary expertise. Fans of The Chew fell head over heels for Michael’s down-to-earth personality and his deep love for his family. And yes, family is at the heart of everything this guy does. Michael has been happily married to his wife, Liz Symon, since 1998. Together, they’ve created a blended family that includes Kyle Shanahan, Liz’s son from a previous marriage. Michael stepped into Kyle’s life with open arms and became the stepdad everyone dreams of having.
From Co-Workers to Lifelong Partners: How Michael and Liz Met
Before Michael became a stepdad, he was just another chef working in the bustling world of restaurants. It was back in 1990 when he first crossed paths with Liz at a restaurant called Players. They were both young, ambitious, and passionate about their craft. They quickly formed a friendship that would evolve into something much deeper. When both were hired at another restaurant, Caxton Café, their bond grew stronger. At the time, Kyle was just six years old, and little did he know that this new guy in his mom’s life would become such a significant part of his journey.
Now, relationships in the restaurant world aren’t always easy. Michael shared a hilarious yet relatable story with the New York Times in January 2018 about how he and Liz fell in love. “We’d finish our shifts, hang out with the staff, have a few drinks, and then we’d end up making out,” Michael said with a laugh. “But afterward, we’d both think, ‘This is a bad idea. We should just be friends.’ A week would pass, and the same thing would happen again.” Love, as it turns out, has a way of sneaking up on you, even when you least expect it.
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Building a Life Together: Marriage and Culinary Success
After dating for a while and realizing they were meant to be together, Michael and Liz decided to take the next step. They moved in together, and in 1998, they tied the knot. Their love story didn’t stop there. They went on to open several successful restaurants together, blending their talents and passions into a thriving business. Their partnership wasn’t just limited to the kitchen; it extended to their family life as well. Kyle, now growing up with Michael as his stepdad, was inspired by his culinary expertise and decided to follow in his footsteps.
Kyle, inspired by his stepdad’s passion for food, decided to carve out his own culinary niche. In 2016, he opened Grindstone Coffee & Donuts in Sag Harbor. The name of the shop was a nod to his family history, inspired by his grandparents. “As a kid, I used to go hiking with my grandmother by the river where workers would toss broken grindstones and carving stones,” Kyle recalled in a March 2018 interview. “I would search for them like they were ancient treasures. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories.”
The Donut Phenomenon: Kyle’s Culinary Triumph
Kyle’s brioche donuts have become a sensation at Grindstone, with patrons lining up daily to get their hands on these delicious treats. The shop sells thousands of donuts every day, a success Kyle never imagined when he first started. Growing up in the restaurant industry, Kyle joked in an August 2016 interview with The Southampton Press, “I didn’t really have a choice about getting into this business. It’s all I’ve ever known!”
But Kyle’s life isn’t just about donuts. He’s also a proud husband and father of two. He and his wife, Krista, welcomed their first child, daughter Emmy, in December 2018. Their second child, son Butch, was born in October 2021. Michael, now a proud grandfather, loves sharing adorable pictures of his growing family on social media, capturing the hearts of his fans along the way.
