'The Food Network' was just starting in New York, and I was getting lots of attention from Mesa Grill. They had no money, so if you couldn't get there by subway, you couldn't be on. It wasn't like TV was something I really wanted to do - but I knew it would be great publicity for my restaurants.

Robert William "Bobby" Flay (born December 10 1964) is an American celebrity chef restaurateur and reality television personality. Chefography: Bobby Flay — Biography of Flay's life and career. He caught the attention of restaurateur Jerome Kretchmer who was looking for a southwestern style chef.

He is the owner and executive chef of several restaurants: Mesa Grill in Las Vegas New York and the Bahamas; Bar Americain in New York and Uncasville CT; Bobby Flay Steak in Atlantic City and Bobby's Burger Palace in ten locations. Flay is featured on the Great Chefs television series.