Brian Malarkey
Chef, Restaurateur, Host
Brian Malarkey is one of America’s most dynamic and accomplished chefs and restaurateurs, known for his bold culinary vision and flair for concept-driven dining experiences. His portfolio of restaurants generates over $35 million in annual revenue—a testament to his enduring influence in the hospitality industry.
Malarkey leads two distinct restaurant groups: The Puffer Malarkey Collective (PMC) and The Brothers Malarkey. PMC currently operates four acclaimed and stylistically diverse restaurants in San Diego—Herb & Wood, Herb & Sea, Animae, and Steakhouse Le Coq—the latter two helmed by James Beard-nominated Chef Tara Monsod, bringing cutting-edge innovation to the culinary scene.
His newest venture, Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, is a modern cowboy-inspired restaurant and bar located in his hometown of Bend, Oregon, and is part of The Brothers Malarkey portfolio. In 2025, the group will debut its second highly anticipated concept in Portland, Oregon, continuing its expansion into the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond the kitchen, Malarkey is the founder of Chefs Life, a fast-growing culinary lifestyle brand of premium cooking oils and products available in over 4,000 grocery stores nationwide.
He also runs his own production company, House of Malarkey, where he develops original food and lifestyle content for television. He is the host of the Food Network’s upcoming reboot, Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, and a familiar face to viewers as a frequent judge and contestant on Guy’s Grocery Games, Chopped, Tournament of Champions, and Wildcard Kitchen. He also appears in the new competition series 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.
A fan favorite from Top Chef Season 3 and Top Chef All-Stars (Season 17), Malarkey later claimed victory as a mentor on ABC’s The Taste alongside Anthony Bourdain, solidifying his place as one of television’s most engaging and influential culinary personalities.
Most recently, Malarkey has expanded his voice into the world of podcasting. He co-hosts a lively and thought-provoking relationship podcast with his partner, Danielle Harley. Blending Gen X wisdom with Millennial insight, the couple dives into honest conversations about modern love, connection, and partnership—with heart, humor, and vulnerability at the center of every episode.