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From Slapfish To City Council: 7 Shocking Updates On Chef Andrew Gruel’s New Life In 2025

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Chef Andrew Gruel, once synonymous with the fast-casual seafood revolution he sparked with Slapfish, has undergone one of the most significant career transformations in the culinary world. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the celebrity chef has pivoted sharply from purely culinary entrepreneurship to a high-profile role in local politics and conservative commentary, making his current life far more complex than just running a kitchen.

This article dives deep into the most current and compelling updates on Gruel’s life, including the fate of the Slapfish brand, his new restaurant focus, and his controversial appointment to the Huntington Beach City Council, providing a fresh look at his multifaceted career.

Chef Andrew Gruel: Complete Biography and Profile

Andrew Gruel is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and politician, best known as the founder of the Slapfish restaurant chain and a frequent commentator on business and political issues.

  • Full Name: Andrew Gruel
  • Born: July 12, 1980
  • Education: Johnson & Wales University
  • Wife: Lauren Gruel (Co-founder and business partner in several ventures)
  • Former Venture: Slapfish (Founder and Executive Chef, sold interest in 2022/2023)
  • Current Role (Culinary): CEO and Founder of American Gravy Restaurant Group
  • Current Restaurants: Calico Fish House (Huntington Beach, CA), Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza)
  • Current Role (Political): Appointed Member of the Huntington Beach City Council
  • Political Stance: Known conservative commentator and small business advocate
  • Key TV Appearances: Judge on Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off, Host of FYI’s Say It to My Face!, Judge on Chopped Jr., Appearances on The Today Show, Fox News, and CNN
  • Awards/Recognition: Named "Pandemic Heroes" by Restaurant Business Magazine with his wife, Lauren, for their work supporting restaurant workers during COVID-19

The Pivot from Slapfish to American Gravy Restaurant Group

The biggest update for fans of Andrew Gruel’s original concept is the definitive end of his tenure with Slapfish. Gruel and his wife, Lauren, sold their interest in the fast-casual seafood chain, which he famously bootstrapped from a food truck to an international brick-and-mortar chain.

This separation allowed Gruel to fully focus on his new umbrella company, American Gravy Restaurant Group. This new group represents his latest culinary vision, which is less about rapid franchising and more about specialized, high-quality concepts.

Calico Fish House: The New Seafood Evangelist Hub

In January 2023, Gruel launched Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach, California, marking his return to a hands-on, chef-driven seafood concept.

Calico Fish House is Gruel’s answer to his original "seafood evangelist" mission, offering a daily-changing menu of at least seven different seafood species. This concept allows him to be more flexible and focus on sustainability and quality, moving past the constraints of a large fast-casual chain.

Big Parm and the Diversification of American Gravy

Beyond seafood, Gruel’s American Gravy Restaurant Group also includes Big Parm, a New Jersey-style pizza concept. This diversification shows a broader business strategy, moving beyond the single-concept focus of the Slapfish days.

The entire group reflects Gruel’s commitment to the restaurant industry, even as he takes on other public roles. He and his wife, Lauren Gruel, were recognized as "Pandemic Heroes" for their efforts to raise money for struggling restaurant employees during the COVID-19 lockdowns, highlighting their deep commitment to the hospitality sector.

Andrew Gruel’s Political and Media Stance in 2025

What truly distinguishes Gruel’s current career path is his significant move into the political arena, a transition that has garnered national attention and, at times, controversy. His public profile is now equally split between his identity as a chef and as a political commentator.

The Huntington Beach City Council Appointment

In a major development, Andrew Gruel was appointed to the Huntington Beach City Council, filling a vacant seat.

This role places him directly in the local political landscape of Orange County, California. His appointment was unanimous, reflecting a shift in his focus toward municipal governance and policy.

Conservative Commentary and Economic Advocacy

Gruel has solidified his position as a prominent conservative voice, particularly on issues affecting small businesses and the restaurant industry.

He is a frequent guest on national news programs, especially on Fox News, where he offers commentary on everything from economic policy to crime and social media controversies.

  • Economic Criticism: He has been vocal about the challenges facing restaurants, stating that many are "breaking even at best" due to rising costs and inflation. He has specifically criticized proposals like Vice President Kamala Harris’s price-fixing plans, arguing they would severely impact small businesses.
  • Social Commentary: Gruel often engages in viral social media debates, such as weighing in on the "Duff Cut" sandwich controversy in 2024. He uses his platforms on X (formerly Twitter) and other channels to discuss current events, often from a free-market perspective.
  • Upcoming Engagements: His influence extends to major public forums, with a scheduled appearance at FreedomFest 2025, indicating his continued commitment to public discourse and conservative principles.

The Enduring Legacy and Future of the Chef-Activist

Andrew Gruel's journey is a fascinating case study of a modern entrepreneur who successfully leveraged a culinary brand into a platform for broader influence. His ability to transition from a food truck entrepreneur to a city council member and national media figure demonstrates a unique blend of business acumen and public engagement.

The dissolution of his relationship with Slapfish was not a retreat but a strategic redirection toward more personal, chef-driven concepts like Calico Fish House and a more active role in politics.

In 2025, Gruel stands as a dual-threat figure: a dedicated restaurateur running the American Gravy Restaurant Group and a vocal political figure shaping policy in Huntington Beach and contributing to national debates. His future will likely involve continued advocacy for small businesses, more high-profile media appearances, and a sustained effort to blend his passion for food with his commitment to conservative governance.

chef andrew gruel
chef andrew gruel

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