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What Is Nusret Gökçe Net Worth’ Net Worth?
Nusret Gökçe, widely recognized as Salt Bae, has amassed a substantial fortune through his entrepreneurial ventures in the culinary world. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $80 million. This valuation stems primarily from his ownership of the Nusr-Et chain of luxury steakhouses, which has expanded its presence across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Greece.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Nusret Gökçe’s journey began in 1983 in Paşalı, located in the Erzurum Province of Turkey. Born into a Kurdish family, he was one of five siblings. His father, Faik, worked as a mineworker. Due to the family’s financial constraints, Nusret had to discontinue his education after the sixth grade. Subsequently, he started working as a butcher’s apprentice in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul. This early experience in handling and preparing meat laid the foundation for his future career as a chef and restaurateur.
Between 2007 and 2010, Gökçe embarked on a journey to broaden his culinary expertise by visiting various countries and working without pay in local restaurants. This immersive experience allowed him to acquire diverse skills and insights into restaurant management and culinary techniques. Upon his return to Turkey in 2010, Gökçe opened his first restaurant in Istanbul. Four years later, in 2014, he expanded his business to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These early ventures proved crucial in shaping his path toward establishing the Nusr-Et steakhouse chain.
The Rise of Nusr-Et and Internet Fame
The year 2017 marked a turning point in Gökçe’s career. Videos and images of him preparing and seasoning meat went viral on social media, catapulting him to international fame. His distinctive method of sprinkling salt, characterized by dropping it from his fingertips high in the air onto the dish, became his signature move. This unique style earned him the nickname “Salt Bae” and transformed him into a prominent Internet meme. One particular Instagram post showcasing his salt-sprinkling technique garnered over 10 million views, significantly boosting his visibility.
The increased exposure from his viral fame enabled Gökçe to expand his business and establish a chain of luxury steakhouses called Nusr-Et. The name “Nusr-Et” is a play on his first name, with “Et” meaning “meat” in Turkish. This clever branding strategy further solidified his image as a meat connoisseur. Gökçe strategically opened restaurant branches in various locations, including Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as in Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The expansion of Nusr-Et contributed significantly to Gökçe’s overall net worth.
Critical Reception and Controversies
Despite his widespread popularity, Gökçe’s steakhouse chain has faced mixed reviews from critics. In 2018, his New York City steakhouse received considerable criticism for its perceived mundaneness, excessive salt content, and high prices. However, some reviewers acknowledged the restaurants’ entertainment value, particularly when “Salt Bae” himself was present, suggesting that it functioned as a form of dinner theater.
Gökçe’s career has also been marked by several controversies. In late 2017, he faced criticism for a photo of him posing in front of a picture of former Cuban president Fidel Castro, whom he was seen emulating. In 2018, a man was severely burned in a failed fire show at his Istanbul steakhouse, leading to further controversy. In late 2019, four of his former employees accused him of taking their share of tips, resulting in their alleged dismissal. Gökçe faced more criticism in 2020 for violating COVID-19 safety protocols at his Boston restaurant, which led to its temporary closure by public health officials shortly after its opening. In 2021, patrons at one of his UK restaurants were presented with a £37,000 bill, sparking outrage. Beyond his restaurant business, he drew criticism in late 2022 for joining the Argentine team on the field after their victory in the FIFA World Cup final, where he interacted with the players and their medals in a manner deemed inappropriate by some observers.
Charitable Activities
Despite the controversies, Gökçe has engaged in several charitable endeavors. He built a school in his home province of Erzurum. Additionally, he has reportedly constructed a library, guest house, mosque, and English education center in the same province, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community.
