It looks like the end of an era with Robert William Flay, popularly known as Bobby Flay’s his time as a culinary figure on Food Network set to come to an end.
According to Variety, the chef has been a part of the program since 1994, when the channel was still in its first year on air. Fans of the cooking channel will be shocked by the news of his exit.
The End Of A 27-year Affair
Flay and Food Network are set to go their separate directions after an eventful partnership that established the restaurateur as one of America’s most exemplary culinary personalities.
As his exclusive three-year contract with the cooking channel draws to a close at the end of this year, the two parties began negotiations for a new agreement.
However, sources close to the situation have revealed that Food Network has closed further negotiations.
Flay’s representatives at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME) refused to comment on the happenings, stating a policy of not speaking about ongoing negotiations. This hinted that the star’s agency was in the midst of serious negotiations.
Food Network made no statement on the chef’s exit. Sources close to the channel disclosed to Variety that both sides stood very differently on payment terms.
His History With Food Network
Flay has headlined many series and specials for Food Network, including “Brunch at Bobby’s, “Grillin’ and Chillin’,” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
These cook shows established the TV personality as a charming chef and a channel favorite by viewers all over the globe.
Flay has also been a contestant on many game shows of the food channel such as “Worst Cooks in America,” “The Next Food Network Star,” “Chopped,” and “Iron Chef America.”
The chef recently hosted “The Flay List” series with his 25-year-old daughter, Sophie Flay, which first aired on April 11, 2019.
Flay made history in 2015 when he was honored as the first TV chef to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The businessman also runs many restaurants in the US and has written over a dozen cookbooks.
Gifting A Famous Friend
During his time as a chef on Food Network, Flay has amassed numerous friendships from all over the globe.
In May 2020, The Blast reported that the restaurateur gifted “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker an autographed stand mixer.
The former “Iron Chef’s” gift was revealed on a Friday evening while Parker sat for dinner with his 6-year-old daughter, Betty, and wife Boogie Tillmon, who were getting divorced.
In an Instagram photo, Parker and Betty are rolling pasta on their new stand mixer while another reveals a sweet message from Flay.
The inscription read, “For Trey. Thanks for your generosity! I’m a great fan of South Park,” and maybe inspired by the chef’s appearance on the series in 2010.
The 56-year-old had featured on the Season 14 finale of Parker’s show starring as himself on an episode titled “Crème Fraîche.”
Flay has undoubtedly had a memorable 27 years as a Food Network icon and will be missed by worldwide viewers.
