Spike Mendelsohn is a chef, restaurateur, television personality, and food policy advocate with a career spanning nearly 30 years. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Mendelsohn trained under world-renowned chefs like Gerard Boyer, Thomas Keller, and Sirio Maccioni before gaining national fame on Bravo’s Top Chef. He went on to appear on shows including Iron Chef America, Life After Top Chef, and Beat Bobby Flay, and hosted Midnight Feast and Kitchen Sink on Food Network.

In 2008, Mendelsohn opened Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Known for its crave-worthy burgers, the restaurant quickly became a favorite among locals and political elites, including President Barack Obama. Its success led to a cookbook and several new locations. He expanded his culinary footprint with We, The Pizza; Béarnaise; Santa Rosa Taqueria; and the DC speakeasy The Sheppard, followed by The Morris. Inspired by his passion for sustainability and plant-based dining, Mendelsohn launched PLNT Burger in 2019, a fast-casual concept redefining classic American comfort food for a healthier planet. He co-founded the restaurant alongside Seth Goldman, former Beyond Meat executive and Honest Tea co-founder. Today, PLNT Burger has grown to ten locations and continues to expand.

Mendelsohn and Goldman also created Eat The Change, a snack company dedicated to planet-friendly, nutrient-dense foods. The brand’s mushroom jerky and kid-friendly Cosmic Carrot Chews have become popular across all ages. Their latest launch, Just Ice Tea, offers organic, Fair Trade Certified iced teas made with simple, transparent ingredients. In addition to his culinary ventures, Spike offers creative consulting for restaurants and hospitality groups, including Sunny’s and Campton Yard in Miami and Vim & Victor in Virginia.

A longtime advocate for food equity and sustainability, Spike has worked with organizations like CARE, DC Central Kitchen, Wholesome Wave, and Food Rescue US. He was appointed the first chairman of DC’s Food Policy Council, where he has championed issues like improving school lunches and protecting access to healthy, affordable food. Most recently, he partnered with Show of Force as executive producer of The Inn at Little Washington: A Delicious New Documentary, available on Amazon Prime Video. Spike lives in the DC area with his wife, Cody, and their son—and when he’s not cooking or advocating for change, he’s likely chasing waves on a surfboard.