Leah Chase Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Leah Chase, born in 1923, began her culinary journey at a young age, learning traditional Creole recipes from her mother and grandmother in their New Orleans home. She started her career in the 1940s, working at the Dunbar Hotel, a popular spot for jazz musicians and local luminaries, where she honed her skills and developed her signature dishes.

Chase’s big break came in 1945 when she took over the kitchen at the historic Dooky Chase Restaurant, founded by her parents-in-law in 1939. This was a significant moment, as the restaurant was one of the few places in segregated New Orleans where African Americans could dine out. Leah’s exceptional cooking quickly drew in crowds, making the restaurant a beloved institution and Leah Chase a local celebrity.

**Leah Chase’s Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, Leah Chase’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to the latest available information. This figure reflects her successful career and various ventures in the culinary world.

**Career**

Leah Chase, often referred to as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” has had a distinguished career spanning over six decades. She began her culinary journey in the 1940s, working at her family’s business, the Dooky Chase Restaurant in New Orleans. Over time, she became the proprietor, transforming it into a renowned establishment that catered to African American patrons during segregation. Chase’s culinary expertise and commitment to preserving Creole cuisine have earned her numerous accolades, including the James Beard Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

**Other Ventures**

Beyond her restaurant, Chase has ventured into various other projects. She has authored cookbooks, including “The Dooky Chase Cookbook” and “And Still I Cook,” sharing her recipes and stories with a wider audience. She has also been involved in television, appearing on shows like “Emeril Live” and “The Today Show,” further cementing her status as a culinary icon. Additionally, Chase has been a passionate advocate for preserving New Orleans’ culinary heritage and has been involved in numerous community initiatives.

**Assets**

Leah Chase’s assets primarily include the Dooky Chase Restaurant, which she co-owned with her late husband, Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr., until his passing in 2016. The restaurant, established in 1941, is a historic landmark and a significant part of New Orleans’ cultural heritage. Additionally, Chase’s assets include her real estate properties, investments, and her extensive collection of African American art, which is displayed in the restaurant and has been valued at over $1 million.

**Annual Income**

Leah Chase’s annual income is primarily derived from the Dooky Chase Restaurant. However, the exact figure is not publicly disclosed. Given the restaurant’s popularity and historical significance, it’s safe to assume that Chase’s annual income is substantial. Moreover, her income also comes from book sales, television appearances, and her involvement in various culinary events and initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Leah Chase

**Frequently Asked Questions: Leah Chase Net Worth**

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1. What is Leah Chase’s net worth?

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Leah Chase’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.

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2. How did Leah Chase make her money?

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Leah Chase made her money primarily through her career as a chef and restaurant owner. She was the proprietor of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, which was a significant gathering place for the city’s African American community during the civil rights movement.

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3. When did Leah Chase pass away?

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Leah Chase passed away on June 1, 2019.

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4. How old was Leah Chase when she passed away?

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Leah Chase was 96 years old when she passed away.

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5. What was Leah Chase’s cause of death?

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The cause of Leah Chase’s death was not publicly disclosed.

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6. Where was Leah Chase born?

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Leah Chase was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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7. When did Leah Chase start cooking professionally?

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Leah Chase started cooking professionally in the 1940s, when she took over the kitchen at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant from her father-in-law.

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8. What is Leah Chase known for?

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Leah Chase is known for her significant contributions to Creole cuisine and for her role in the civil rights movement. She was often referred to as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine.”

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9. Did Leah Chase receive any awards?

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Yes, Leah Chase received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. She was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame in 2010 and received the James Beard Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

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10. What happened to Dooky Chase’s Restaurant after Leah Chase’s death?

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After Leah Chase’s death, her daughter, Leah Chase Jr., took over the management of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. The restaurant continues to operate and serve Creole cuisine in New Orleans.