As of 2025, Michelle Lundstrom Net Worth is approximately $1.5 million. Michelle Lundstrom is an American chef, entrepreneur, and digital creator who rose to public attention after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown in 2023.
Though she was eliminated in episode six, her charismatic presence and flavorful barbecue style—especially her signature sauces inspired by her Sicilian-American heritage—won her a loyal fan base.
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Michelle developed a passion for food at a young age and eventually earned a Bachelor of Culinary Arts, setting the stage for a multifaceted culinary career.
In addition to her time on Netflix, Michelle has built a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok under the name @themoneymichelle, where she shares cooking tips, original recipes, and behind-the-scenes moments from her life.
She also launched a podcast, Absolute Fire, which features conversations with chefs, food lovers, and industry creatives, offering insights into their culinary journeys and inspirations.
Her growing visibility has led to collaborations with kitchen brands such as SharkNinja, Traeger Grills, and Hestan Cue. These partnerships have expanded her reach in the food and lifestyle space and solidified her as a rising culinary influencer.
On the personal front, Michelle made headlines in early 2025 when she confirmed her engagement to actor Steve Burton. The couple tied the knot in May 2025 in an intimate ceremony in Laguna Beach, California.
Now residing in Southern California, Michelle balances her family life—including two daughters from a previous relationship—with her passion for food, content creation, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Michelle Lundstrom Biography/wiki
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Michelle Lundstrom |
| Nickname/Handle | @themoneymichelle |
| Place of Birth | Long Island, New York, USA |
| Current Residence | Southern California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Sicilian-American |
| Profession | Chef, Content Creator, Podcast Host, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Barbecue Showdown Season 2 contestant on Netflix |
| Education | Bachelor of Culinary Arts |
| TV Debut | Barbecue Showdown (2023, Netflix) |
| Social Media | Instagram/TikTok: @themoneymichelle |
| Podcast | Absolute Fire |
| Brand Collaborations | SharkNinja, Hestan Cue, Traeger Grills |
| Marital Status | Married (to actor Steve Burton, since May 2025) |
| Children | Two daughters (from previous relationship) |
| Stepchildren | Three stepchildren (from Steve Burton’s previous marriage) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Languages | English |
Who Is Michelle Lundstrom?
Michelle Lundstrom is an American chef, digital content creator, and entrepreneur known for her flavorful cooking, charismatic personality, and rising media presence.
She first gained national recognition in 2023 as a standout contestant on Season 2 of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown. Though she didn’t win, her signature sauces—deeply inspired by her Sicilian-American heritage and created in memory of her father—left a lasting impression on viewers and judges alike.
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Michelle’s love for food began in childhood and led her to pursue a Bachelor of Culinary Arts.
After her television debut, Michelle expanded her brand through social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @themoneymichelle. She shares cooking tutorials, lifestyle content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her culinary experiments.
In 2022, she launched her podcast, Absolute Fire, where she interviews chefs, food influencers, and creatives to explore the inspiration behind their dishes and careers.
Michelle’s influence extends into brand partnerships, having worked with top culinary companies like SharkNinja, Traeger Grills, and Hestan Cue. These collaborations showcase her entrepreneurial edge and authentic love for cooking.
In her personal life, Michelle made headlines in early 2025 after confirming her relationship with actor Steve Burton. The couple married in May 2025 in Laguna Beach, California, blending their families—Michelle has two daughters, and Steve has three children from a previous marriage.
Now based in Southern California, Michelle continues to grow her brand as a chef and media personality while balancing family life, creativity, and business with her signature passion and warmth.
Michelle Lundstrom Early Life and Family
Michelle Lundstrom grew up on Long Island, New York, in a close-knit Italian-American (Sicilian) family that greatly influenced her life and culinary passions.
From a young age, her father—fondly remembered for his signature barbecue sauces—instilled in her a love for cooking and grilling. Michelle has described how evenings spent at her father’s side by the grill helped shape her skills and became a treasured family tradition.
Her mother, Rosemarie M. Schlecke, has also played a pivotal role, with Michelle often crediting her nurturing nature and home-cooked meals as foundational to her connection between food and love.
She has a brother, Robert Schlecker, who is a digital creator—a reflection of the family’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
Raised in a supportive environment, Michelle was encouraged to pursue her culinary interests, which eventually led her to earn a Bachelor in Culinary Arts and build a career centered around cooking, content creation, and brand partnerships.
Michelle’s upbringing on Long Island contributed to her warm, family-focused presence today. The values she learned—hard work, creativity, and a deep appreciation for heritage—are evident in both her food-centric content and her approach to life. As she frequently shares on social media, cooking for loved ones remains at the heart of what she does.
Michelle Lundstrom Nationality And Ethnicity
Michelle Lundstrom is American by nationality, originally from Long Island, New York, and currently based in Southern California.
She proudly identifies as Italian-American, specifically with Sicilian heritage, a cultural influence that shines through in her cooking and is often referenced as a core part of her identity.
Michelle Lundstrom Amazing Career
Michelle Lundstrom has built an impressive and dynamic career rooted in her passion for cooking and storytelling.
She first gained national attention in 2023 as a contestant on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, where her signature sauces—rooted in her Sicilian-American upbringing—won admiration from judges and viewers even though she was eliminated in the sixth episode.
Following the show, Michelle leveraged her growing fan base to create a standout digital presence under the handle @themoneymichelle.
Through her Instagram and TikTok channels, she shares engaging recipe videos, cooking tutorials, and glimpses of her life as a busy mom, cultivating authentic connections with her audience and attracting sponsorship opportunities.
In 2022, she launched the podcast Absolute Fire, a weekly series celebrating culinary creativity and featuring chefs and food influencers. With over 24 episodes to date, Absolute Fire is praised for its genuine conversation style and entertaining insight into food culture.
The show regularly highlights inspiring personalities from the barbecue and culinary world, cementing Michelle’s place as both a host and culinary advocate.
Her entrepreneurial instincts further led to collaborations with prominent kitchen and cooking appliance brands, including SharkNinja, Traeger Grills, and Hestan Cue. These partnerships reflect her role as a trusted culinary influencer and content creator.
In essence, Michelle Lundstrom has successfully turned a passion for food into a multi-faceted career encompassing television, social media, podcasting, and brand collaboration. Her relatable content, rooted in heritage and family values, continues to fuel her growth and influence within the culinary and lifestyle communities.
Michelle Lundstrom Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | ~60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Body Type | Athletic; average build |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Dress Size | Not publicly disclosed |
| Distinct Features | Radiant smile; polished, confident style |
Michelle Lundstrom Husband/Boyfriend And Relationship
Michelle Lundstrom and actor Steve Burton’s relationship has gained significant attention due to their surprising and heartwarming journey together.
The two made their relationship public in May 2024, confirming their romance with a red carpet appearance at the Daytime Emmys in June 2024. They quickly became a beloved couple, often sharing their joy and milestones on social media.
In January 2025, Burton surprised Lundstrom with a proposal, which she shared on Instagram—the post included details like “Engaged 1/3/25” and a Bible verse reference.
Their union became official just a few months later in a touching Orthodox church ceremony on May 17, 2025, held in Laguna Beach, California. The intimate gathering included close family, their blended children, and was followed by a seaside reception at Montage Laguna Beach.
Michelle walked down the aisle in a custom strapless couture gown by Lee Petra Grebenau, while Burton expressed his joy at “beginning forever with the love of my life”.
The couple embodies blended family dynamics: Michelle brings two daughters from a previous relationship, and Burton has three children from his previous marriage. Their children participated in the ceremony, reflecting the unity of the new family.
Now living in Southern California, they balance their professional and personal lives—Michelle pursuing her culinary and content ventures, and Burton resuming his acting career on General Hospital—while building a life together grounded in shared values, faith, and love.
Fun Facts About Michelle Lundstrom Net Worth
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Fast-Rising Culinary Wealth
She steadily grew from $800K in 2019 to $1.5M by 2024, reflecting her climbing income through competitions, collaborations, and online content.
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Netflix Boosted Her Bank
Even though she didn’t win Barbecue Showdown, her appearance in 2023 gave her brand exposure, leading to more followers and brand sponsorship deals.
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Podcast Pays Off
She hosts Absolute Fire, which adds a significant revenue stream—podcasts often bring in income through ads and sponsorships.
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Top-Tier Brand Deals
Partnerships with culinary brands like SharkNinja, Hestan Cue, and Traeger Grills are key income drivers, leveraging her influencer status to promote products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michelle Lundstrom Net Worth
How did Michelle Lundstrom make her money?
She earned her wealth through multiple income streams including Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, her podcast Absolute Fire, brand sponsorships (e.g., SharkNinja, Hestan Cue), and social media content creation.
Did Michelle Lundstrom win Barbecue Showdown?
No, Michelle was eliminated in the sixth episode of Barbecue Showdown Season 2, but the exposure helped grow her brand and income.
Does Michelle Lundstrom earn from social media?
Yes, Michelle earns through sponsored content, brand partnerships, and affiliate promotions across Instagram, TikTok, and podcast platforms.
What role does her podcast play in her earnings?
Her podcast Absolute Fire is a key income source, featuring sponsorships and collaborations that contribute to her overall financial growth.
Conclusion About Michelle Lundstrom Net Worth
Michelle Lundstrom’s net worth, estimated between $1.5 million and $1.8 million, is a testament to her impressive rise as a multi-talented culinary personality.
What began as a passion for food rooted in her Sicilian-American heritage has grown into a dynamic career spanning television, digital media, and brand entrepreneurship. Her appearance on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown in 2023 was a pivotal moment.
Although she didn’t win the competition, it served as a launchpad for her public profile, introducing her cooking style and personality to a global audience.
Following the show, Michelle capitalized on her growing fan base by building a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @themoneymichelle, where she shares recipes, cooking tips, and lifestyle content.
These platforms have not only broadened her reach but have also become key sources of income through brand partnerships with companies like SharkNinja, Traeger Grills, and Hestan Cue.
Another major contributor to her earnings is her podcast Absolute Fire, where she interviews chefs and creatives in the food world. The show has developed a loyal following and attracts sponsorships and advertising revenue, further diversifying her income.
Michelle’s success is a prime example of how modern culinary figures can expand beyond traditional kitchens to build a personal brand and business empire.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with authentic content and a clear passion for food, positions her for continued growth. As she balances her professional ventures with a new chapter in her personal life alongside husband Steve Burton, Michelle’s net worth is likely to increase steadily in the coming years.
