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Eric Adjepong

Eric Adjepong is a first-generation Ghanaian American chef, public health advocate, and Food Network host. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, he trained at Johnson & Wales University and the University of Westminster in London, where he earned a Master of Public Health. He currently hosts Food Network’s Wildcard Kitchen and Alex vs. America, and is also the author of the cookbook Ghana to the World (2025).

Overview

Eric Adjepong's Profile

Eric Adjepong was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, to Ghanian immigrants. He developed a deep connection to Ghanaian cuisine and later became passionate about bringing those flavors into mainstream culinary conversations. After high school, he pursued culinary education at Johnson & Wales University and later attended the University of Westminster in London. 

Adjepong worked at various Michelin-starred restaurant kitchens in London and New York before launching a private dining and event company. His national profile surged in 2018 when he reached the finale of Top Chef: Kentucky (Season 16). Following this, he went on to compete in Top Chef All-Stars: L.A. (Season 17), further cementing his reputation.

Eric Adjepong made his debut as a TV host in 2022 on Food Network’s Alex vs. America. In March 2024, he expanded his hosting portfolio with Wildcard Kitchen, a unique poker-style cooking competition show. A second season of Wildcard Kitchen followed in 2025. In addition to hosting, he is also an author; he published his debut cookbook, Ghana to the World, co-authored with food writer Korsha Wilson.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Eric Adjepong
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1987-08-05
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: African, Black
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Divorced
  • Career Start: 2022
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: $400,000

3
Shows Hosted

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Shows Currently Hosting 
Post type: tv_hosts
Host ID: 503191
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(
    [0] => 501377
    [1] => 501658
    [2] => 504682
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20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Beachside Brawl
Alex vs America
Alex vs America
Wildcard Kitchen
Wildcard Kitchen

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Janell Davis-Mack from 2017 to 2024 (They met at a house party in New York.)
  • Lennox Adjepong, a biological child with Janell Davis-Mack, born in 2018

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • BS in Culinary Arts and BS in Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.
  • MPH in International Public Health and Nutrition from the University of Westminster, London, England.

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Income from Food Network’s contract for his role as host of Wildcard Kitchen and Alex vs. America.
  • Co-owns Pinch & Plate, a private dining and event company. He also runs Elmina, a Ghanaian-themed restaurant, which he launched in Washington, D.C. in 2025.
  • Royalties from his published books, the children's book Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging (2023) and the adult cookbook Ghana to the World (2025).
  • He earns additional income from his appearances as a competitor and judge on various culinary shows, including Guy's Grocery Games, Chopped, Supermarket Stakeout, and Beat Bobby Flay.

Awards

Awards & recognition

  • Top Chef Season 16 Finalist (2019)