Restaurateur Ben Byruch, who was also the husband of “Top Chef” alum Leah Cohen, died unexpectedlyy at the age of 44.
Pig & Khao, an NYC-based Filipino-Thai restaurant co-founded by Byruch and Cohen, announced the sad news with a post on Instagram this week.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of Ben Byruch — husband to our chef and owner Leah Cohen, devoted father, son, brother, and friend to so many,” restaurant workers said. “Ben was the co-founder of Pig & Khao and its creative heart. His vision shaped who we are, and his warmth, passion and sense of humor touched everyone lucky enough to know him.”
The restaurant added: “We ask for privacy for Leah and the family during this time. We will miss him more than words can say.”
Few other details, including Byruch’s cause of death, were provided.
It comes just days after the Food Network’s Chefs Making Waves Instagram account shared a photo of Cohen and Byruch cooking side-by-side, during its multi-day festival. The couple — who share two children — also recently appeared together at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which kicked off last month.
Cohen took to Instagram to share several snaps, showing their family enjoying the beachy and tropical scenery together.
“Second time in Hawaii and I’m even more in love…” she wrote. “Getting to cook Filipino food in a place with such deep Filipino roots meant a lot to me, and so many people came up to tell me the food reminded them of home. This is my favorite festival to cook at, and the care you put into the festival, the chefs and the community really shows.”
Cohen added: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think following my passion for cooking would lead to so many opportunities. I’m grateful I get to do what I love, travel the world, and make these memories with my family.”
Cohen competed on season five of “Top Chef,” finishing in sixth place. She married Byruch in 2016, and the couple welcomed their first child together, Carter Graham, in September 2019, according to People. They also share a second son, Baker Scott, who was born in February 2022.
In addition to co-owning Pig & Khao, the couple also previously ran Piggyback Bar in New York City.
Dining and Cooking