Aaron McCargo Jr. facts for kids

Aaron McCargo Jr. is a famous American chef and TV star. He was born on July 22, 1971. He is best known for winning the fourth season of the TV show Food Network Star on the Food Network. After winning, he hosted his own popular cooking show, Big Daddy's House.

Becoming a Chef: Aaron's Early Life and Training

Aaron McCargo Jr. grew up in Camden, New Jersey. He was one of six children. He became interested in cooking when he was just four years old. He started by baking cakes in his sister's Easy-Bake Oven. By age seven, he was cooking in his family's kitchen.

His parents encouraged him. His father, Aaron McCargo Sr., was also a cook. His mother, Julia, loved food with lots of flavor. Aaron first learned about cooking in a home economics class in middle school. When he was 13, he volunteered in the kitchen at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. He continued taking cooking classes at Camden High School and graduated in 1989.

After high school, Aaron took a special class to learn how to bake cakes. He then started selling cakes and cookies in Camden. He worked in many different restaurants in New Jersey. He also trained at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Aaron McCargo Jr.'s Cooking Career

In 2003, Aaron McCargo Jr. opened his own restaurant called McCargo's Creative Cuisine. It was in Camden, New Jersey. The restaurant closed in 2005. He also worked as a head chef at a hospital's catering service. He managed about 40 cooking jobs every day.

Winning Food Network Star

Aaron became a well-known chef and TV host. He competed on and won season four of The Next Food Network Star. This win gave him his own TV show on the Food Network. His show, Big Daddy's House, became very popular. It was the number one weekend cooking show when it first aired. The Food Network liked it so much that they renewed it for five more seasons! On Big Daddy's House, Aaron shared his love for big, bold flavors and family cooking. He brought a friendly and warm style to the kitchen.

TV Appearances and Other Projects

Aaron McCargo Jr. has appeared on many popular TV shows. These include The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and The Queen Latifah Show. He has also been on other Food Network shows like "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and "Guy’s Grocery Games".

He was a regular expert on Spike TV’s Bar Rescue and its spin-off show Back to the Bar. He also shared his knowledge about cooking products on QVC.

Aaron is the author of a cookbook called Simply Done, Well Done. He has also created his own line of spices and sauces. He started a program called PlayToWin. This program helps young men aged 14–24.

Aaron's Personal Life

Aaron McCargo Jr. is a father of three children. He lives in South Jersey.