Chef, entrepreneur, actor: Matty Matheson is all of these things and then some. Seeing his success today, you’d never guess he once walked around Toronto handing out his resume to any restaurant that would take it.
But part of Matheson’s spark is how he does things in his own way instead of by the book. That path has led him to open 5 restaurants of his own, securing a key role on award-winning FX show The Bear, launch his own workwear line, and more.
This interview is a quickie, but for a more in-depth sit down with Matheson, check out the new issue of PLAYBOY magazine.
PLAYBOY: The variety of businesses you run has grown at an incredible speed. What’s on the docket for 2025?
Matheson: The easy part is dreaming and creating, but the real work comes to running them and making them successful and long lasting. We’re working on that in 2025. No new businesses in 2025, I think.
PLAYBOY: You’ve accomplished so many bucket list moments: The Bear, your cookbooks, Rosa Rugosa, your many restaurants. Is there anything you dream of doing that you haven’t done yet, either professionally or personally?
Matheson: Honestly, taking a month long vacation. Going for a long, uninterrupted walk. I’d love to spend a whole month away with my family just one time.
PLAYBOY: What’s one guilty pleasure food you can’t live without?
Matheson: Fried chicken.
PLAYBOY: Who are you watching with interest in the food world right now and why?
Matheson: Hailee Catalano and Chuck Cruz. They’re the sweetest, they’re so pure, they’re what’s good with food content. They are the best version of cooking on the internet. They are the shining light within the darkness.
PLAYBOY: PLAYBOY is known for blending culture and lifestyle. How do you think your cooking philosophy aligns with the PLAYBOY brand?
Matheson: I like cooking with my shirt off.
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