Anyone who loves steak knows the name of Salt Bae. And why not? This internet viral chief has captivated millions of people’s attention just with one viral video. That became memes, GIFs, jokes, and everything. But besides being a meme, this Turkish butcher-chef is also a millionaire. Wondering how much Salt Bae net worth could be? Know it here, in this article.
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Who is Salt Bae?
Nusret Gökçe, well-known as Salt Bae, is a Turkish chef and restaurateur. He is probably the world’s most popular butcher.
Gökçe gained international popularity through a viral video of his unique style of preparing and seasoning meat in January 2017. In the video, Nusret Gökçe sprinkles salt on a steak theatrically and distinctively, quickly capturing the internet’s attention. A chain of steakhouses, Nusr-Et, is owned by Salt Bae, which has multiple branches around the world.
After his The Salt Bae meme became viral on the internet, he gained a massive following on social media. Since then, Salt Bae has expanded his restaurant business and continued to be a social media personality. He keeps sharing videos of his signature posture of sprinkling salt into steaks.
Quick Bio
| Birth Name | Nusret Gökçe |
| Nick Name | Salt Bae |
| Born | 1983 (age 40–41) |
| Birthplace | Paşalı, Erzurum, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Profession | Butcher, Chef, Restaurateur, Entrepreneur |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok |
| Net Worth | $80 Million |
Salt Bae Net Worth
Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae, is the world’s richest butcher. As of 2024, he owns an impressive $80 million in net worth. Without any denial, his restaurant business has made him the millionaire he is today.
But it’s definitely not without the social media fame that Salt Bae gained over the internet. That really brought him the opportunity to expand his business widely and make millions. Nusr-Et, his luxury steakhouse chain, has expanded over ninety locations in the UK, the US, and the Middle East.
Early Life
Born in 1983, Nusret Gökçe hails from Turkey. He grew up in Paşalı, Erzurum Province of Turkey. He is from a Kurdish family. His father, Faik Gökçe, was a mineworker. And his mother, Fatma Gökçe, is a housewife. His three brothers are Erman, Uğur, and Özgür.
Nusret’s family’s financial situation was so poor that he had to quit his studies. He left school before finishing his sixth grade. After that, he took a job as a butcher’s apprentice in Kadıköy, Istanbul.
Source Behind Salt Bae Net Worth
Culinary Career
Nusret Gökçe, or Salt Bae, launched his culinary adventure by traveling to countries like Argentina and the US between 2007 and 2010. Initially, he started working in local restaurants without pay. He kept learning and gaining as much knowledge as possible about cooking and restaurant management.
Upon returning to Turkey, Nusret Gökçe took a significant step by opening his first restaurant in Istanbul in 2010. His culinary empire expanded further in 2014 when he introduced a new restaurant in Dubai. The fruits of his hard work and commitment to the culinary world were becoming evident.
However, it was in January 2017 that Nusret Gökçe rose to global fame as Salt Bae. His popularity soared through viral internet videos and memes, particularly the “Ottoman Steak” video posted on his restaurant’s Twitter account. In these videos, he showcased his distinctive method of cutting meat and sprinkling salt with a touch of style and flair.
His Luxury Steak Houses
His unique way of salting, involving a cascade from his fingertips to his forearm and onto the dish, earned him the nickname “Salt Bae.” This viral exposure transformed him into a worldwide sensation. Consequently, Nusret Gökçe’s restaurants started attracting a diverse array of celebrities and politicians from across the globe.
Salt Bae owns 20+ Nusr-Et restaurants in seven countries around three Continents. They, too, are trendy for their unique culinary culture. Globally praise, Nusr-Et’s clients are worldwide, from general to lavish people to famous celebrities.
In November 2023, he marked another milestone by opening his first Saltbae Burger restaurant at Istanbul International Airport, one of the largest establishments in the city. Plans for expansion are underway, with approximately 40 new locations in development, including around 10 in major global airports.
Internet Fame
Nusret Gökçe catapulted to online stardom in 2017 as Salt Bae when videos and images of his meat-preparing techniques went viral. His unique method of sprinkling salt, where he drops it from his fingertips high in the air, down to his forearm, and onto a dish, became the focal point of his online persona.
A particular Instagram post showcasing this skill garnered an impressive 10 million views. That was the video that earned him the ongoing nickname “Salt Bae”. And it transformed him into a significant Iiernet meme.
This viral exposure didn’t merely confine Gökçe to the social media world; it became a catalyst for his global fame. Naturally, people love to seek the unique experience of his culinary creations.
As of now, Nusret Gökçe boasts an impressive online following, with 54 million followers on Instagram and 7.3 million Facebook followers on Facebook. His TikTok account has more than 15.5 million with his popular sprinkling salt videos and other culinary creations. Salt Bae also has his own YouTube channel.
This immense online presence has certainly played a crucial role in elevating his restaurants and, subsequently, his net worth.
Personal Life
Besides being a food entertainer, Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae, loves to travel around the world and meet celebrities. He is also a fitness freak and loves driving and swimming. Gökçe does charitable work as well. He provided all the finances to build a school, mosque, education center, and more in his home country.
FAQs
Does Salt Bae have a private jet?
Yes, Salt Bae does own a private jet.
How much does Salt Bae steak cost?
Prices vary. For example, one of his signature dishes, Tomahawk, costs $275 for the regular one and $1,160 for the Golden Tomahawk.
How many restaurants do Salt Bae have?
Twenty-two as of 2024.
What is the most expensive bill in Nusr-Et?
The most expensive bill at Nusr-Et was AED 615,065 ($167.5K USD) at one of its branches in Abu Dhabi. Salt Bae himself shared the bill on his Instagram on November 17, 2022.
Conclusion
Salt Bae net worth is indeed noteworthy; his effort behind it is something that deserves praise as well. He has seasoned his way from a humble beginning to global stardom. With his unique salt-sprinkling style, he not only became an internet sensation but also expanded his culinary empire worldwide.
