Who is Brian Malarkey on Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out?
Brian Malarkey is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his dynamic presence in the culinary world. As the Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out host, he brings his signature energy and expertise to the high-stakes cooking competition.
Biography
Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Brian Malarkey developed a passion for food early on. His journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a celebrated chef is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Real Name
Brian Malarkey’s real name and full name is Brian Huntington Malarkey—he has built his brand around his name, making it synonymous with culinary excellence.
Brian Malarkey Age and Birthday
Malarkey was born on September 26, 1972, making him 53 years old as of 2025. He celebrates his 53rd birthday on September 26th, 2025.
Brian Malarkey Parents
Malarkey grew up on a ranch in Oregon, where his mother, Lesley Day, founded a chimpanzee sanctuary. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a love for fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Brian Malarkey Brother
Malarkey has a brother named James Malarkey, who shares his passion for entrepreneurship and the outdoors. The two brothers recently teamed up to open Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, a restaurant in Bend, Oregon, inspired by their ranching heritage and love for the Pacific Northwest. James has a background in marketing and business, making their collaboration a perfect blend of culinary expertise and strategic vision.
Brian Malarkey Wife
Malarkey was previously married to Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, a photographer. The couple shared a life for nearly two decades.
Brian Malarkey Children
Malarkey is a proud father to three children; Sailor Elizabeth, James, and Huntington O’Neil. His kids often appear in his social media posts, showcasing their love for surfing, skateboarding, and the arts. Malarkey prioritizes their privacy while sharing glimpses of their lives, ensuring they grow up away from excessive public scrutiny.
Brian Malarkey Divorce
In July 2021, Malarkey filed for divorce from Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. The process is ongoing, and he has since introduced a new partner, Danielle Harley, on social media.
Career
Brian Malarkey gained national recognition as a finalist on Top Chef Season 3. He later became a mentor on The Taste and a judge on Guy’s Grocery Games. His career spans television, restaurants, and culinary entrepreneurship.
Brian Malarkey Restaurants
Malarkey has created multiple successful restaurants, including:
- Herb & Wood (San Diego)
- Herb & Sea (Encinitas)
- Animae (San Diego)
- Le Coq (San Diego)
- Green Acre (San Diego)
Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out
Brian Malarkey is the host of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, a reboot of the popular Cutthroat Kitchen series. The show challenges chefs to outsmart and sabotage their competitors while creating top-tier dishes.
The new season of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out on Food Network features four chefs per episode, each starting with $25,000 to spend on advantages or sabotage. The show includes guest judges like Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli, Aarti Sequeira, and Jet Tila.
Brian Malarkey Net Worth
As of 2025, Brian Malarkey’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million, thanks to his restaurants, TV appearances, and business ventures.
Malarkey is active on Instagram, where he shares updates about his restaurants, TV projects, and personal life. His Instagram handle is @brianmalarkey.