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Trust AAE Speakers Bureau for Booking Top Professional Speakers. Find a Keynote Speaker Today.
Grant Achatz

Grant Achatz

Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur & Cancer Survivor

Grant Achatz Biography

Chef Grant Achatz stands among the world’s most celebrated and influential chefs, renowned for his innovative, emotional, and modernist cuisine. Recognized as the Best Chef in the United States by the James Beard Foundation and honored by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, Achatz has also shared his expertise at conferences and universities globally.

Achatz’s culinary journey began early, working in his family’s diner in Michigan. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America at 21, he honed his skills at Charlie Trotter’s and later under Chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, where he rose to sous chef. His time at La Jota Vineyards and a stage at elBulli in Spain further shaped his culinary philosophy. As the executive chef at Trio in Evanston, IL, his creativity flourished, earning him recognition from Food & Wine Magazine and the James Beard Foundation.

In 2004, Achatz and Nick Kokonas co-founded Alinea, redefining fine dining by challenging culinary norms and enhancing the guest experience. Alinea has since been acclaimed as the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler and the Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet Magazine, has appeared on the World's 50 Best List top 10, and received 3 Michelin Stars the first year available, among countless other accolades. It has continued to hold three Michelin stars for 13 years, five stars from Forbes Travel Guide, and multiple James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant. Alinea's remarkable tenure in the culinary world is unparalleled, boasting 13 appearances on the World’s 50 Best list and 13 consecutive years with 3 Michelin stars—longer than any other fine dining restaurant in the country. Its longevity and consistency are a testament to its enduring excellence and innovation.

In 2008, Achatz faced a life-threatening diagnosis of Stage IV tongue cancer. Rejecting the recommended radical surgery, he pursued an innovative treatment at the University of Chicago, leading to his recovery. This journey is chronicled in the New York Times bestselling memoir "Life, On the Line" and featured in the documentary "Spinning Plates" and Netflix’s "Chef’s Table." The Grant Achatz episode of Chef's Table was and continues to be the highest viewed episode of the entire series, showcasing his extraordinary culinary journey and innovative techniques.

Achatz’s culinary ventures expanded with Next restaurant and The Aviary bar, both receiving critical acclaim and awards. Next earned the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, and proudly holds a Michelin star, reflecting its excellence and creativity in modern dining, while The Aviary was recognized by James Beard and World's 50 Best for its Outstanding Bar Program. In 2016, he opened Roister, which earned a Michelin star in its first year, followed by St. Clair Supper Club in 2019.

Achatz lives in Chicago with his wife Samantha and their two sons. Despite a demanding career, he finds joy in traveling and exploring new cultures, and in studying science, art, and history, continually drawing inspiration for his culinary innovations.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Grant Achatz and other top speakers and celebrities.

Grant Achatz Videos

Can you plate like Chef Grant Achatz? | Fine Dining Lovers
Grant Achatz Showing Why Take-Out Food Will Never Be The Same ...
Made In Presents | 3-Star Chef Grant Achatz Teaches The Perfect ...

How do I book Grant Achatz to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Grant Achatz for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Grant Achatz, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Grant Achatz or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Grant Achatz for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Grant Achatz, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Grant Achatz, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Grant Achatz speak about?

Grant Achatz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Celebrity Chef, Television & Film, Food & Beverage, Lifestyle, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Reality TV, Technology, Science and Creativity.

Where does Grant Achatz travel from?

Grant Achatz generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Grant Achatz?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Grant Achatz for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Grant Achatz for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Grant Achatz or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Grant Achatz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Celebrity Chef, Television & Film and Food & Beverage. The estimated speaking fee range to book Grant Achatz for live events is $50,000 - $100,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Grant Achatz generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Stephanie Izard, Art Smith and Rick Bayless. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Grant Achatz for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 31/07/2024.

Grant Achatz Videos

Can you plate like Chef Grant Achatz? | Fine Dining Lovers
Grant Achatz Showing Why Take-Out Food Will Never Be The Same ...
Made In Presents | 3-Star Chef Grant Achatz Teaches The Perfect ...
Grant Achatz: Together We Answer Cancer
Grant Achatz Chef's Table- Tongue Cancer

Grant Achatz Reviews

  • Optiver Services US LLC - Mar 31 2022

Grant Achatz News

  • How do I book Grant Achatz to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Grant Achatz for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Grant Achatz, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Grant Achatz or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Grant Achatz for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Grant Achatz, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Grant Achatz, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Grant Achatz speak about?

    Grant Achatz is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Celebrity Chef, Television & Film, Food & Beverage, Lifestyle, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Reality TV, Technology, Science and Creativity.
  • Where does Grant Achatz travel from?

    Grant Achatz generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Grant Achatz?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Grant Achatz for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Grant Achatz for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Grant Achatz or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.