Toronto Celebrity Chef Matty Matheson Launches KFC Partnership Across Canada
Toronto's renowned culinary personality Matty Matheson has entered into an exciting collaboration with fast-food giant KFC, bringing exclusive menu items to locations nationwide. The partnership, which runs until February 23, represents a significant milestone for the chef who has become a household name through television appearances and successful restaurant ventures.
A Childhood Memory Inspires Professional Partnership
Matheson revealed that his connection to KFC dates back to childhood experiences in Ontario. "I remember when I first moved to Ontario, I lived in this small town and the family next to us, I was in Grade 5, and I remember their dad coming home with a bucket of chicken," Matheson recalled during the collaboration launch at a Toronto KFC location. "It was the first time I saw one in real life. Friday night, get a bucket of chicken and watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or something."
The 44-year-old chef described the partnership as a "no-brainer" decision, explaining that he had turned down other food deals but found the KFC opportunity particularly compelling. "When I first got the call, I was kind of stoked because I felt like there's so many new chicken places, but I think KFC is just iconic," he said.
Exclusive Menu Items Available Nationwide
The collaboration features several specially created items that showcase Matheson's culinary creativity within the KFC framework:
- The Matty Melt Slider
- The $10 Matty Mega Melt Poutine
- The Matty Melt Sandwich
- The Matty Mega Feast
While the current agreement extends only through February 23, Matheson remains open to future possibilities. "Who knows? I'm open to whatever," he commented regarding potential extension of the partnership.
Balancing Multiple Culinary Ventures
Beyond the KFC collaboration, Matheson continues to expand his restaurant portfolio across Ontario. His newest establishment, the Iron Cow Public Restaurant, recently opened at Hamilton's TD Coliseum following extensive renovations. The 185-seat English pub-style venue represents Matheson's first major venture in Hamilton.
"It's amazing," Matheson said of the Hamilton restaurant. "I couldn't be more proud being in Hamilton. I think the food is unreal. The space is massive and it's a great place to gather before a show, after a show."
His existing Toronto-area restaurants include:
- Prime Seafood Palace (PSP)
- Matty's Patty's
- Maker Pizza
- Rizzo's House Of Parm in Crystal Beach
Television Success with The Bear Continues
Matheson is currently filming the fifth season of the critically acclaimed FX series The Bear, where he portrays the beloved handyman Neil Fak. The show streams on Disney+ and has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly within culinary circles.
The chef's transition to television was natural, given his extensive experience with Vice's Munchies and his own shows including Dead Set on Life and It's Suppertime! He continues to produce weekly content for his YouTube channel, maintaining his presence across multiple media platforms.
Matheson sees parallels between restaurant work and television production. "It's such a collaborative group effort," he explained. "And it's this amazing thing where like I've been a chef for so long, the show creator is like my chef so I'm a sous chef. So I'm there to produce and help and give opinions and just suggestions and work with all the different departments."
Personal Priorities and Future Directions
Despite his professional successes, Matheson emphasizes the importance of balance in his life. After experiencing a heart attack at age 29 and achieving sobriety at 31, the chef has developed a more measured approach to his career.
"My dreams right now, to tell you the truth, are to slow down," Matheson confessed. "It seems like I'm busier and busier than ever but I'd like to spend more time at home with my family. I've got three kids, a beautiful, amazing wife, and I'm trying to find that balance."
The Fort Erie resident, who has made his home in Ontario for the past seven years, currently has no plans for additional restaurant openings. Instead, he focuses on maintaining his existing ventures while exploring creative collaborations like the KFC partnership that allow him to reach broader audiences while staying true to his culinary roots.
