Eric Adjepong is an American chef, television personality, and author with Ghanaian roots who has made a name for himself by elevating West African cuisine in the culinary scene.
Born in New York City and raised in the Bronx, Eric was the first in his family to be born outside Ghana. His parents immigrated to the United States in the 1980s.
He pursued his passion for food by earning a degree in culinary arts and nutrition from Johnson & Wales University. Later, he got a master’s degree in international public health nutrition from the University of Westminster.
Eric’s career took off when he became a finalist on Top Chef: Kentucky in 2018. There, he competed against chefs like Kelsey Barnard Clark and Sara Bradley.
His final meal highlighted the transatlantic slave trade’s impact on Southern cuisine. He returned for Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. in season 17. Since then, Eric has appeared on various Food Network shows.
He hosts Alex vs. America, which started in January 2022 and is now in its fifth season. The show features chef Alex Guarnaschelli competing against guest chefs in specific culinary genres.
Eric also hosts Wildcard Kitchen and has judged on programs like Great Soul Food Cook-Off, Supermarket Stakeout, Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, and Chopped. He competed on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions in seasons 3, 4, and 5.
His culinary interests blend the American South, West African, Caribbean, and South American flavors. Eric co-owns Pinch and Plate, a catering company in Washington, D.C., with his ex-wife Janell Mack.
They host pop-up meals through it. In 2020, he planned to open a counter-service restaurant called On the Double in Union Market, but COVID-19 delayed it greatly.
More recently, Eric opened Elmina, his restaurant in Washington, D.C., where he serves as chef-owner.
In March 2025, he released his cookbook Ghana to the World: Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past, co-authored with food writer Korsha Wilson. He also wrote Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging in 2023, illustrated by Lala Watkins.
While Eric’s professional life is full of success, his married life has been more challenging
Eric married Janell Mack on May 21, 2017, in Philadelphia. Their love story started with a Facebook message, and Eric knew she was the one while they watched a movie together.
Janell, a human resources specialist and décor consultant, supported Eric’s career as he rose to fame. They worked side by side, with Janell helping him transition into the spotlight. Together, they built Pinch and Plate, their dinner party company.
The couple welcomed a daughter named Lennox. Before their separation, Eric often posted affectionate messages about his family on social media.
In 2020, he shared anniversary posts calling Janell his wife and expressing his love. However, things changed. They separated in October 2021 and filed for divorce in January 2022.
The divorce was contentious. Court filings showed Eric claiming “constructive desertion” and “cruelty of treatment,” saying his wife’s conduct made living together impossible.
Janell filed first, requesting sole physical custody of Lennox and noting she had handled most parenting duties since the separation. She also mentioned giving up job opportunities to support Eric’s career.
The process dragged on for years, with a protective order granted to Janell against Eric in January 2025. An arrest warrant was mentioned in reports, adding to the tension.
The divorce finalized in August 2024, with Eric agreeing to pay $804 per month in child support. They continue to co-parent Lennox, who was about 7 years old in 2025.
As of February 2026, Eric Adjepong is single. In September 2025, his friend and co-star Alex Guarnaschelli posted on Instagram about helping him find a girlfriend.
She shared their text exchange where Eric mentioned working a lot and spending time with his daughter. Alex offered to set him up, and Eric agreed enthusiastically.
The post went viral, with fans and Food Network stars chiming in. In a January 2026 interview with TV Insider, Eric updated on his love life. When asked about the search and what he wants in a partner after divorce, he said,
“I’ve met some really kind, genuine people this past year, but right now I’m married to my restaurant, Elmina. I’d love companionship — a friend first. Someone who loves to eat, shares similar values, and keeps things simple.”
Via tvinsider
He remains focused on his career and fatherhood, balancing his busy life in the kitchen with personal growth.
Leave a Comment