Ben Ford

Chef | Restaurateur | Author | Designer

Chef Ben Ford is a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. His culinary journey began in 1987 at the renowned Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. This opportunity further refined his culinary skills and instilled a profound appreciation for organic and sustainable cooking practices.

In 1993, Chef Ford returned to his hometown of Los Angeles and earnestly continued his culinary journey. He gained valuable experience at three distinguished Los Angeles restaurants: Opus in Santa Monica, where he worked as Sous Chef for Eberhard Mueller, perfecting his traditional French cooking techniques; Campanile, where he reinforced his farm-to-table philosophy while working alongside chefs Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel; and Chadwick, his own elegant and acclaimed restaurant. At Chadwick, his seasonal California-Mediterranean menu garnered rave reviews and national acclaim, including a coveted Three and a half stars from the Los Angeles Times, making it the first restaurant in Los Angeles to receive such a high rating.

In 2004, Chef Ford decided to embrace a more basic approach to cooking and introduced the concept of the "gastropub" to the West Coast with Ford's Filling Station in Culver City playing a pivotal role in popularizing the gastropub concept in the United States. Ford's Filling Station this year celebrates its 20th year in business and remains a beloved institution in Los Angeles, known for its delicious food and warm atmosphere.

Ford has consulted on the conceptualization and operations for several successful concepts and brands such as Marriott, Barnes and Noble, Bull & Butterfly, and The Electric Jane.
Outside of his culinary endeavors, Chef Ford actively participates in charitable culinary events. He launched a garden at Farragut Elementary School in Culver City, dedicated to teaching students about planting and harvesting an organic garden. He has also served as a Chef Chair for Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation: Los Angeles, an annual culinary festival aimed at ending childhood hunger in America. Additionally, Chef Ford dedicates his time to the LA Mission, an organization that strives to provide for the poor, restore the addicted, and reduce homelessness.

Chef Ford was honored to be part of the American Chef Corps, a program of the US Department of State, where he served as a culinary ambassador, participating in missions to various countries.

His accolades, including being a Food Network Challenge Champion and Cochon 555 winner, as well as his appearances on numerous culinary shows including Iron Chef America, Today Show, Martha Stewart, The View, The Talk, Katie Couric Show, Beat Bobby Flay, After Hours with Daniel Boulud, Jaime Oliver’s Food Revolution, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Supper Club with Tom Bergeron and more.

Chef Ben Ford's legacy is one of creativity, excellence, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place through food. His contributions to gastronomy, sustainability, and community engagement continue to inspire and enrich the culinary landscape.