Michael Symon

NEW YORK-APR 19: Symon attends the Food Bank for New York City’s Can-Do Awards Dinner 2017 at Cipriani’s on April 19, 2017 in New York City.,photo by Debby Wong/

Birth Name: Michael D. Symon

Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 19, 1969

Ethnicity:
*father – Rusyn/Ruthenian, possibly other
*mother – Greek, Italian/Sicilian

Michael Symon is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, magazine writer, and author. He has appeared on Food Network shows Iron Chef America, Burgers, Brew and ‘Que, Food Feuds, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Cooking Channel show Cook Like an Iron Chef, and ABC’s The Chew. He owns restaurants in the Greater Cleveland area, including Lola, Mabel’s BBQ, and BSpot.

Michael is the son of Angie and Dennis Symon. His parents have been described as “Greek, Italian, and Eastern European American.” Michael was raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. He is married to Liz Shanahan, with whom he has worked on his restaurants. He has a son.

Michael has stated:

I grew up in a big food household. My mom is Greek and Sicilian. My father is Ruthenian, so food was a central part of our family.

Michael’s paternal grandfather was Preston A. Symon (the son of Joseph B. Symon/Simon and Bertha M. Riley). Preston was born in Pennsylvania. Joseph was born in Pennsylvania, to parents from either Czechoslovakia or Austria, who were listed as “Slovak speakers” on the 1920 U.S. Census. Bertha was born in Pennsylvania.

Michael’s paternal grandmother was Olga Duranko (the daughter of Joseph “Joe” Duranko and Eva Lanzchik/Lescharchik). Olga was born in Pennsylvania, to parents from either Slovakia or Hungary, who were listed as “Magyar speakers” on the 1930 U.S. Census.

Michael’s maternal grandfather was named Constantine/Constantino “Gus” Mavias/Mavis. Constantine was born in Greece.

Michael’s maternal grandmother was named Concetta/Consetta. Concetta likely was of Sicilian Italian descent.

Sources: Obituary of Michael’s paternal great-uncle (grandfather’s brother) –

Michael’s paternal great-grandparents, Joseph B. Symon/Simon and Bertha M. Riley, on the 1920 U.S. Census –

Death record of Michael’s paternal grandmother, Olga (Duranko) Symon –

Obituary of Michael’s paternal grandmother, Olga (Duranko) Symon –

Obituary of Michael’s maternal grandfather, Constantine/Constantino “Gus” Mavias/Mavis –