Matthew Kenney

Matthew Kenney is an American celebrity chef, entrepreneur, author, and educator specializing in plant-based cuisine. He is the author of 12 cookbooks, founder of dozens of vegan restaurants, and founder of the companies Matthew Kenney Cuisine and Matthew Kenney Culinary, a plant-based diet education business.

Early life and education Kenney was born in the U.S. state of Connecticut, and grew up in Searsport, Maine. After graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in political science, he became a chef. He attended the French Culinary Institute, now the International Culinary Center, learning classical culinary techniques. He opened the restaurants Mezze, Monzu Canteen, Commune, and Commissary. Kenney has said the economic slump caused by the September 11 attacks caused his restaurants to close. Between 2021 and 2024, at least 17 of Kenney's restaurants closed.

Pure Food and Wine Kenney, partner Sarma Melngailis and investor Jeffrey Chodorow in 2004 opened a vegan restaurant, Pure Food and Wine, in New York City.

Kenney left Pure Food and Wine in 2005, and the owner and manager sued him, alleging he broke his contract.

Culinary academy In 2009, Kenney opened his first culinary academy in Oklahoma City. In 2013, he established a campus of the Academy in Belfast, Maine.

Matthew Kenney Cuisine In 2012 Kenney formed Matthew Kenney Cuisine, a Los Angeles-based restaurant lifestyle company offering a variety of plant-based services and products, including hospitality, education, media, products and services. As of 2022, Matthew Kenney Cuisine operates more than 50 active restaurants, in more than 12 countries.

In 2019, Matthew Kenney Cuisine opened an all-vegan food hall Plant City in Providence, Rhode Island. In 2019, he launched Ntidote Life nutrition bars with Dr. Amir Marashi.

Legal issues In 2022, the contents of Kenney's restaurant Sestina were auctioned off by the state of New York for unpaid taxes and the Double Zero in Boston was closed by sheriff deputies because of unpaid rent. His restaurant Plant Pub Fenway was evicted for unpaid rent, also in 2022.

As of 2024, multiple lawsuits that allege fraud, illegal labor practices, harassment, or failing to pay creditors, landlords, and employees, have been filed against Kenney and his companies in at least nine states.

Restaurants

Closed

Matthew’s, New York City (1993–2001) Mezze, New York City (1995–2002) Monzu, SoHo, New York City (1997–1999) Commune, New York City (1999–2003) Canteen, SoHo, New York City (1999–2001) Commissary, New York City (2001–2003) Pure Food and Wine, New York City (2003) Free Foods NYC, W. 45th Street, New York City (2007–2014) Free Foods NYC, 52nd Street, New York City (?–2009) Arata, Belfast, Maine (2015–2016) Tamazul, Oklahoma City (2012–2014) The Gothic, Belfast, Maine (2013–2016) Althea, Chicago, Illinois (2018–unknown) Heirloom, Lower East Side, New York Liora, Baltimore, Maryland (2021-2023) Double Zero, Baltimore, Maryland (2021-2023) Essence Cuisine Shoreditch, London (2017–2023) Sestina, Culver City, California (2020–2023) Plant Food and Wine, Venice, California, (2015–2024) Make Out, Culver City, California (2015–2024) Oliver's of Montecito, Montecito (2017–2024) Baia, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, California (2020–2024) Bar Verde/Double Zero, New York City, (2017–2026)

Awards 1994: Food & Wine, Best New Chef,

Published works