This ‘Chopped’ Celebrity Chef Has An Innovative Pop-up Restaurant That’s Only Open 3 Days a Month

For Celebrity Chef Marc Murphy, food is more than a career — it's a way to take care of others. Having built a name for himself through restaurants and TV appearances on shows like Food Network's Chopped, Murphy is driven by the gratification that comes from supporting his team.

Reflecting on why he expanded his concepts (which now includes restaurants such as The Mainstay by Marc Murphy and Porchetta Sandwich Shop available at Citi Field) he explains that the business of food is addictive. That’s because of the great people in the industry and the opportunities he can help provide for them.

Watch now to learn about being on the Food Network, operating a pop-up restaurant, and the gratification that comes with having a business.

Chapters:
[07:37] - Bigger is Not Always Better
[09:49] - The Business of Food
[14:52] - Mark 179 is open 3 days per week
[16:38] - Collaboration Kitchen
[19:47] - Pivoting into an Event Space
[23:38] - Biggest Lesson from Chopped

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Episode Links:
Marc Murphy Online: https://chefmarcmurphy.com/
Marc Murphy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmarcmurphy/
Marc Murphy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefmarcmurphy
Marc Murphy LinkedIn: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefmarcmurphy

Takeaways:
The Gratification of a Food Business - For Marc Murphy, the business of food is one that is rewarding because it allows him to help others in their own careers. That opportunity to improve lives is a reason for expansion of his restaurant concepts, and why he continues to be a part of the restaurant industry.

Pop-Up Concept - Marc Murphy hasn’t opened a full-time restaurant in quite a while. However, he and his team take the opportunity to “play restaurant” for three days every month with an innovative pop up concept restaurant that he calls “Marc 179”.

An Offer He Couldn't Refuse - Marc Murphy is committed to having his restaurant open and available for the “regulars,” which aligns perfectly with his three-day-a-month concept. When not operating as a restaurant, the building is an event space.

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ABOUT MARC MURPHY—
Marc Murphy’s culinary journey is rooted in his European upbringing and formal training in both France and Italy. Though he initially aspired to be a race car driver, he pursued a career in food, following his brother to the Institute of Culinary Education. After graduation, Murphy honed his skills at top restaurants in Europe before returning to New York, where he worked alongside influential chefs like Sylvain Portay at Le Cirque. His experience eventually led to roles as Executive Chef at renowned establishments like Cellar in the Sky and La Fourchette, earning him critical acclaim, including two-star reviews from The New York Times. In 2004, Murphy ventured into entrepreneurship, opening his first restaurant, Landmarc, followed by the popular Ditch Plains and another Landmarc location at Time Warner Center. His signature style blends French and Italian cuisine with accessible contemporary fare.

Beyond the kitchen, Murphy has made a name for himself as a regular judge on Chopped and other hit Food Network shows, while also leading Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy, his catering division. His influence extends into public service, having served as the President of the Manhattan chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association and playing key roles with organizations like City Harvest and No Kid Hungry. Murphy also participated in the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, promoting American cuisine and culture globally.

ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS —
Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Mayim Bialik, Jon Taffer, Robert Irvine, Aman Narang, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing, branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online.

Published by Entrepreneur Media - https://entreprenuer.com
Produced by Cali BBQ Media - https://betheshow.media