Born and raised in Deep Run, North Carolina, Vivian Howard found her culinary calling far from home in New York City. It was there, while working alongside her future husband Benjamin Knight at The Voyage restaurant, that their shared passion for food and creativity blossomed. In 2006, the couple returned to North Carolina to open Chef & The Farmer, a restaurant that not only revitalized the local dining scene but also became a beacon of Southern farm-to-table philosophy.

Vivian’s approach to cooking—rooted deeply in the traditions and flavors of the South—captivated audiences beyond her restaurant’s walls. Her PBS series, A Chef’s Life, offered an intimate look into her culinary world and the people and farms behind it. The show earned critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award and a Daytime Emmy, cementing Vivian’s place as a beloved figure in American food culture.

Despite their professional success, the pressures of running a growing business took a toll on Vivian and Benjamin’s marriage. By early 2023, after years of shared triumphs and struggles, the couple finalized their divorce. In a candid column for Garden & Gun, Vivian revealed the intense strain their joint ventures had placed on their relationship. She described how the weight of mounting debt led to finger-pointing, fights, and backstabbing, ultimately forcing them to stop working together in an effort to save what remained of their personal connection.

Benjamin Knight, meanwhile, turned his focus fully to his art. Known for vibrant abstract paintings, he gained recognition in 2024 with a showcase at City Art Gallery in Greenville, North Carolina. His dedication to his craft has become a new chapter in his life, marked by creative exploration and personal growth despite the upheaval.

For Vivian, the closure of Chef & The Farmer in 2023 marked the end of an era. The decision was difficult but necessary, allowing her to step back, reflect, and recharge. Emerging refreshed, she launched a new culinary venture in 2024: an intimate 16-seat venue bearing the same name as her original restaurant. This new space offers a more personal dining experience, enabling Vivian to continue sharing her passion for Southern cuisine in a focused, heartfelt setting.

Though divorced, Vivian and Benjamin maintain a connection through their shared history and their twins, navigating the complexities of co-parenting while pursuing their individual paths. Their professional legacies continue to evolve—Vivian influencing the culinary landscape with her authentic Southern voice, and Benjamin enriching the art world with his vibrant creations.

Vivian Howard’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. Her journey reminds us that reinvention and passion can thrive even after loss, and that sometimes, the most meaningful work comes from embracing new beginnings.