If you’ve watched Food Network at any point over the last 29 years, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with host, restaurateur and chef extraordinaire Tyler Florence. Tyler began his work with Food Network in 1996 and has been a fan-favorite on the silver screen ever since. The multitalented chef has built an impressive and dynamic career hosting iconic Food Network shows, like The Great Food Truck Race, writing 17 cookbooks, hosting a successful culinary podcast and opening award-winning restaurants in California and Hawaii.

History and Background

Tyler grew up in the land of fried chicken, buttery grits and pimento cheese aplenty: Greenville, South Carolina. He landed his first kitchen job washing dishes at the ripe age of 15, and his passion for the culinary experience blossomed from there. Tyler graduated in 1994 from the esteemed culinary program at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. Then, he set his sights on New York City to start his career in the kitchen.

Apron and knives in tow, Tyler honed his skills under some of the city’s top chefs at premier restaurants, including Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer at Aureole and Marta Pulini at Mad 61, before he landed the executive chef position at iconic NYC eatery Cafeteria.

Word of Tyler’s innovative menu spread throughout the Big Apple’s culinary scene and, as fate would have it, a new television network decided to see what all the buzz was about. Needless to say — but we’re saying it — they liked what they saw and loved what they ate. The rest is history. Tyler began working with Food Network in 1996, just three years after its television debut.

Family Life

Tyler lives in Mill Valley, California, with his wife of 19 years, Tolan. He’s the proud father of three children, Miles, Hayden and Dorothy, as well as two fur babies, Leroy, a German shorthaired pointer, and Mazzy the pig. When the Florence family isn’t tending to their garden or hosting celebrations at home, they’re traveling to get a taste of local flavors in Hawaii, Italy, Montana, Miami, NYC and beyond.

Tyler's Food Network Shows

After nearly three decades of working with Food Network, Tyler has endless appearances under his belt. The dynamic chef has starred in several popular series over the years, including How to Boil Water, a show designed for chefs in the making; Food 911, a recipe rescue show; and Tyler’s Ultimate, where he shared premier techniques to create elevated American classics.

Some of his more recent gigs include hosting Food Court Wars and Bite Club, and appearing on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

The Great Food Truck Race

Tyler began hosting The Great Food Truck Race when it first aired in 2010, and he’s still leading the culinary caravan 15 years later. The hit show follows a group of American food trucks as they journey across the US and compete for $50,000.

At each stop, contestants use limited grocery money to source ingredients and prepare a menu inspired by their location. The show tests how well the competitors create delicious dishes on the fly and their ability to turn a profit with local passersby. The Great Food Truck Race has 17 seasons, and you can check out Tyler on the Season 18 debut on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

Worst Cooks in America

Tyler has co-hosted several seasons of Worst Cooks in America alongside fellow Food Network legend Anne Burrell. Each season, he mentors a team of people with highly questionable cooking skills as they compete against Anne’s equally ill-equipped team members for a chance to win $25,000 and a Food Network cooking set.

Tyler's Restaurants

Although Tyler began his culinary journey in South Carolina, he decided to take his flavors across the country and, in one instance, the Pacific Ocean! He has three celebrated restaurants serving elevated American cuisine in the Bay Area and Hualalai, Hawaii. And, yes, you can expect to see a glimpse of Tyler’s Southern roots as you peruse his menus.

Wayfare Tavern

Tyler opened Wayfare Tavern in 2010 in San Francisco, California. After thriving for 14 years at its original location, the iconic eatery relocated to a roomier locale at 201 Pine Street. The authentic American restaurant features staple dishes that have been on the menu since opening day, including the famed Wayfare Tavern fried chicken, seasonal deviled eggs and burrata whipped potatoes. The menu rotates throughout the year to celebrate fresh produce and keep things interesting with seasonal specials.

The elevated American fare has earned many accolades over the years, including being named one of the Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2018.

Wayfare Tavern was designed by Jon de la Cruz, and its interiors are a feast for the eyes. The restaurant is dressed to the nines, with marble floors, leather upholstery and custom chandeliers that nod to the city’s glamorous Gold Rush era.

Miller & Lux

Miller & Lux is a modern American steakhouse located in the Chase Center’s Thrive City. The high-end establishment, established in 2021, is true to its name, offering diners an immersive and indulgent experience the moment they cross the threshold. The dining room, by famed designer Ken Fulk, is rich in art deco-inspired finishes, including chic, channel-tufted leather booths, brass railings and statement light fixtures.

The only thing that outshines Miller & Lux's interior is its menu. Tyler ensures diners are left feeling changed by their meal. His offerings include his beloved Hog Island Co. oysters, steak tartare and Maine lobster cocktail at the raw bar. The standout items are exceptional dry-aged steaks, such as the 46-ounce Tomahawk rib eye, dry-aged for 45 days. Miller & Lux offers elevated American side dishes, like black truffle mac and cheese and a tableside Caesar salad for two.

A roaming champagne and dessert trolley adds to the experience and ensures everyone leaves room for a sweet treat and spirited sip at the end of their meal.

Miller & Lux was named Best Steak House in the Bay Area by San Francisco magazine for the last two years and named Best Burger in America by the MICHELIN Guide.

In 2023, Tyler took his talents to Hawaii and opened his second location of Miller & Lux in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This location was awarded the title of Best Hawaii Island Restaurant in the 2025 Hale Aina Awards for Best Restaurants in Hawaii and came in third for Best Steak.

Get Your Fix at Home

Whether you’re desperate to relive the life-altering meal you shared at Miller & Lux or eager to see if their famed dry-aged steaks live up to the buzz, you’re in luck. Tyler has collaborated with Allen Brothers to create the Tyler Florence Miller & Lux Signature Steak Box to deliver a divine dining experience to your kitchen. Each box includes one 32-ounce dry-aged USDA prime Tomahawk rib eye and four 8-ounce USDA prime filets, along with a chef’s recipe card.

Tyler's Cookbooks

When Tyler’s not busy heading his successful restaurants or hosting on Food Network, chances are good that he’s developing another cookbook to add to your collection. Tyler is a long-established cookbook author, with 17 titles to his name. He published his debut book, Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen: An Indispensable Guide for Anybody Who Likes to Cook, in 2003. From there, Tyler penned 16 additional books to aid your culinary pursuits, including a three-book children’s series, a global-inspired cookbook and his latest, American Grill: 125 Recipes for Mastering Live Fire, released in 2024.

Tyler's Podcast

Between developing restaurant menus, hosting Food Network shows and writing cookbooks, you’d think Tyler would have his fill of discussing food. But, alas, you’d be wrong! The forever foodie’s passion for all things cuisine runs bone deep, and he’s given himself another outlet to share his love with the masses via his podcast: "Two Dudes in a Kitchen."

Tyler co-hosts the approachable food podcast with Wells Adams, an amateur chef and bartender you may recognize from his time on the reality TV dating scene. Together, the novice and veteran chefs interview guests and explore culinary topics while delivering laughs and helpful tips along the way.

Fun Facts About Tyler

• His birthday is March 3, making him a Pisces.
• He started working with Food Network just two years after graduating from culinary school.
• On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Tyler said, “If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be raw oysters.” More specifically: the Kumamoto oysters grown by Hog Island Oyster Co. in Tomales Bay.
• He collects vintage knives and has amassed 250 (and counting!) for his kitchen.
• He has a pet pig named Mazzy.

Tyler's Recipes