Carla Hall Net Worth 2025: Chef, TV Personality Earnings & Wealth

Carla Hall's net worth is estimated at $2.5 million as of 2025. Renowned as an American chef, television personality, and former model, Hall has built her wealth through diverse income streams, including television appearances, her catering business, and book sales. Her engaging presence on popular shows like Top Chef and The Chew has significantly contributed to her financial success.
Quick Facts About Carla
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Net Worth | $2.5 Million |
Birthday | May 12, 1964 |
Age | 60 |
Profession | Chef, Television Personality, Former Model |
Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Spouse | Matthew Lyons (m. 2006) |
Education | Howard University, L'Academie de Cuisine |
Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube |
Wikipedia | Carla Hall |
Early Life & Background
Carla Hall was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 12, 1964. She graduated from Hillsboro High School before pursuing higher education at Howard University's Business School, where she earned a degree in accounting in 1986. Following her graduation, Hall worked at Price Waterhouse in Tampa, Florida, and became a Certified Public Accountant. However, her passion for creativity led her to leave the accounting field after two years.

Career Journey & Achievements
Modeling Career
After leaving her accounting job, Carla Hall embarked on a modeling career, walking runways in Paris, Milan, and London. Her time in the fashion industry honed her poise and public presence, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors in television and culinary arts.
Transition to Culinary Arts
Upon returning to the United States, Hall moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her culinary journey. Starting with a lunch delivery service called the Lunch Bunch, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to enroll in L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Maryland.
She graduated with a Culinary Career Training certificate and went on to serve as sous chef and later executive chef at notable establishments, including the Garden Cafe in the State Plaza Hotel and the Washington Club.
Television Breakthrough
Carla Hall's major breakthrough came in 2008 when she competed on Top Chef: New York. Her exceptional dishes, including a standout crawfish gumbo, garnered praise from renowned chefs like Jacques Pépin and Emeril Lagasse.
Although she finished as a runner-up, her charisma and culinary expertise earned her a dedicated fan base. She later returned for Top Chef: All-Stars in its eighth season, where she was honored as "Fan Favorite."
Hosting The Chew
In September 2011, Hall became a cohost on The Chew, a one-hour ABC talk show centered on food from all angles. She remained a beloved figure on the show until its cancellation in 2018, further cementing her status as a prominent television personality.
Income Sources & Business Ventures
Television Appearances
Carla Hall's participation in popular television shows like Top Chef and The Chew has been a significant source of her income. Her engaging personality and culinary expertise have made her a favorite among viewers, leading to numerous guest appearances and hosting roles on various programs.
Alchemy by Carla Hall
In 2001, Hall founded her own catering company, Alchemy Caterers, based in Wheaton, Maryland. Renamed Alchemy by Carla Hall, the business has flourished under her leadership, providing high-quality catering services for events and special occasions.
Cookbook Sales
Hall authored the cookbook Cooking with Love: Comfort Food that Hugs You, which has been well-received for its approachable and heartfelt recipes. Book sales have contributed to her overall net worth, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through both television and print media.
Restaurant Ventures
In 2016, Hall launched her restaurant, Carla Hall's Southern Kitchen, in Brooklyn, New York, through a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $264,703. Although the restaurant closed in August 2017, the venture highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sharing Southern cuisine.
Media Appearances and Voice Work
Beyond cooking shows, Hall has made appearances in various media formats, including voice acting in animated series like The Lion Guard and guest roles on shows such as General Hospital. These diverse roles have broadened her income streams and increased her visibility.
Asset Breakdown
- Real Estate: Resides in Washington, D.C., potentially owning property in the area.
- Business Holdings: Owner of Alchemy by Carla Hall, contributing to her steady income.
- Books and Media: Revenue from cookbook sales and media appearances.
- Brand Endorsements: Partnerships with food and lifestyle brands add to her income.
Wealth Growth Timeline
- 1986: Graduated from Howard University with an accounting degree.
- 1988: Left Price Waterhouse to pursue modeling.
- Early 1990s: Modeled internationally in major fashion capitals.
- Mid-1990s: Transitioned to a culinary career, becoming executive chef at the Garden Cafe.
- 2001: Founded Alchemy Caterers.
- 2008: Competed on Top Chef: New York, gaining national recognition.
- 2011: Began cohosting The Chew.
- 2016: Opened Carla Hall's Southern Kitchen in Brooklyn.
- 2020: Expanded television presence with roles on various cooking competitions.
- 2025: Estimated net worth reaches $2.5 million through diversified income sources.
Personal Life Details
Carla Hall married Matthew Lyons in 2006, and they reside in Washington, D.C. Together, they have a stepson named Noah. Hall's personal life remains relatively private, allowing her professional endeavors to take center stage.

Interesting Facts & Lesser-Known Details
- Catchphrase: Known for her "Hootie Hoo!" catchphrase, a playful call-and-response tradition with her husband.
- Philosophy: Advocates for "cooking with love," emphasizing the importance of positive emotions in creating delicious food.
- Philanthropy: Involved in various charitable activities, supporting causes related to food and community welfare.
- Voice Acting: Provided voices for characters in animated series like BoJack Horseman and The Lion Guard.
- Media Features: Featured on the cover of the Washington Post Magazine's "Fit for Fame" in 2009.
Carla Hall continues to inspire through her culinary talents, television presence, and entrepreneurial ventures. Her journey from accounting to the culinary arts exemplifies her passion and determination, contributing to her impressive net worth and enduring legacy in the food industry.
Note: The net worth figure is an estimate based on available public information and may not reflect Carla Hall's actual financial standing.