Bobby Flay, the Food Network star and celebrated chef, is mourning the death of his cat, Nacho. The celebrity and self-proclaimed “cat person” involved his orange Maine Coon into many aspects of his culinary empire.
Bobby Flay incorporates cats into his culinary work
According to Delish, Flay “hasn’t been shy in showing his love for his pets.” He crafted homemade spreads for his cats, Nacho and Stella, and incorporated Nacho into his many business ventures as an “unofficial business partner.”
Over the course of myriad restaurants, cookbooks, and television shows, Flay increasingly included his fur babies in his work. In 2021, Flay created a premium cat food brand, Made by Nacho. He’s also shared his pet-food recipes all over the globe, bringing Nacho along to press events.
Nacho gained such notoriety in the food space that his own Instagram account was inevitable. The feline friend garnered 275K followers as @nachoflay on the social media platform. When the cat celebrated his ninth birthday earlier this month, well-wishers overwhelmed the comments section with love.
Bobby Flay announces death of cat on Instagram
Unfortunately, Nacho recently passed away. Flay announced the fur baby’s death in a heartfelt post on Tuesday.
“It is with an absolute broken heart that I report Nacho has passed away peacefully,” the chef wrote. “I usually don’t post private family business but I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some way. Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special. He came into my life when I needed him most and brought joyful moment after joyful moment to my household.”
The cat dad continued: “As any cat parent will tell you, the communication between you and your kitty is real and Nacho’s inclusiveness in our home inspired me to create something that would nourish cats everywhere. At the moment my only soothing thought is knowing his likeness and legacy will live on forever through Made by Nacho.”
In conclusion, Flay wrote, “Give your pets an extra long hug today and please say a short prayer for Nacho. They mean so much to all of us. Xo Bobby.”
Celebrity cooks express condolences
Fellow celebrity foodies expressed condolences for the death of Bobby Flay’s cat.
“Oh Bobby I’m so sorry!! What a good life you gave him!!!” Ina Garten wrote alongside a trio of broken heart emojis.
“Love you, Bobby. Sending you all the love for sweet Nacho,” Food Network star Sunny Anderson commented.
“I’m so sorry Bobby. Nacho brought out a different side of you that I love. Praying for comfort as you grieve,” cooking personality Aarti Sequeira wrote.
Nacho is survived by fellow feline family members Stella and Canelo. Flay introduced Canelo to the world in an Instagram post earlier this month.
