Ben Byruch, Restaurateur and Husband of “Top Chef” Alum Leah Cohen, Dies Suddenly at 44

Kimberlee SpeakmanFri, November 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM UTC

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Ben Byruch (left) and Chef Leah Cohen (right) on ‘The Line.’Credit: Food Network -

Pig and Khao co-owner Ben Byruch has died at the age of 44, the restaurant announced on Thursday, Nov. 12

Pig & Khao remembered Byruch as its creative heart and asked for privacy for his family, including his wife, fellow chef Leah Cohen

The couple married in 2016 and shared two sons, Carter Graham and Baker Scott

Restaurateur Ben Byruch has died. He was 44.

Pig and Khao, which Byruch co-founded with his wife Leah Cohen, announced the news of his death on Instagram on Thursday, Nov. 12.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of Bren Byruch — husband to our chef and owner Leah Cohen, devoted father, son, brother, and friend to so many,” said the Pig and Khao. “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.”

“We ask for privacy for Leah and the family during this time. We will miss him more than words can say,” the restaurant added.

Ben Byruch and Chef Leah Cohen in Hawaii.Credit: Leah Cohen/Instagram

The announcement comes just two days after the Food Network’s Chefs Making Waves Instagram account shared a photo of Cohen cooking alongside Byruch at the network’s multi-day food, wine and spirits festival held at sea. The latest event took place from Sept. 21 to Sept. 28.

“Tangled up in tradition! 🍜 Leah Cohen is sharing the magic of Pancit Bihon, a beloved Filipino staple packed with flavor, rich cultural roots, and the joy of bringing people together — even at sea!,” the Instagram account captioned the post, which showed the couple cooking together in front of an audience.

The family also took a recent trip to Hawaii for the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which ran from Oct. 16 through Nov. 8, 2026. Cohen shared several photos of herself and Byruch with their two children exploring the islands and even taking a boat trip.

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“Second time in Hawaii and I’m even more in love… 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 captioned the post.

“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,” she added.

A photo of Ben Byruch and Chef Leah Cohen.Credit: Leah Cohen/Instagram

Cohen — who placed sixth on the fifth season of Top Chef — and Byruch married in July 2016. In addition to co-owning Pig & Khao, a Filipino-Thai restaurant, the couple also runs Piggyback Bar in New York City.

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Outside of their restaurant ventures, the couple also built a family together. They welcomed their son Carter Graham in September 2019.

The couple welcomed their second son, Baker Scott, on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, sharing their excitement in announcing his arrival: “We are so excited; we have been wanting another baby for a while and always knew we would like to have two relatively close in age.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”