Born and bred in Brooklyn, Chef Franklin Becker is the executive chef of Abe & Arthur's, an American bistro scheduled to open in fall 2009 on 14th Street in the heart of Manhattan's bustling Meatpacking District. An industry veteran, Becker was formerly the executive chef of such beloved Manhattan-based restaurants Capitale and Local as well as Trinity at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. Becker also served as a private toque for Revlon mogul Ronald Perelman. From 2005, Becker served as executive chef for the famed Brasserie in Midtown. Prior to Brasserie, Franklin was hired to oversee Atlantic City operations for Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurant Organization. While with SRO, Franklin turned troubled restaurant Washington Square around receiving critical acclaim and many fans as well.
A seasoned chef, Becker has a stellar reputation and numerous accolades. While at Capitale, Esquire's John Mariani named it a Best New Restaurant 2003. After Becker moved from Capitale to Tribeca Grand, Mariani wrote in his online newsletter: "When I praised Capitale as a best new restaurant, it was on the basis of the food prepared by chef Franklin Becker, who had a very fine touch and subtle ideas that seemed paragons of 21st century American taste and New York sophistication." Throughout his career, Becker has received glowing reviews from such high-profile writers as Gael Greene of New York magazine, as well as William Grimes of The New York Times, who wrote that Becker has "a talent for delivering big, punchy flavors."
As the executive chef of Brasserie, Becker's cuisine demonstrated a bold use of flavor and intelligently applied modern touches, which lend an unexpected taste to classic French brasserie fare. Bob Lape of Crain's New York Business awarded Brasserie two-and-a-half stars and stated "Becker brings a lusty yet light touch to the French food framework." John Mariani for Diversions Magazine named Becker a member of The Next Generation of Great New York Chefs.
In 1997, at the age of 27, Becker was diagnosed with type II diabetes. Rather than despair, he transformed his cooking style. Becker learned to use simple ingredients to create dazzling dishes that are healthy and flavorful. He is also the author of The Diabetic Chef, a cookbook packed with recipes that meet the nutritional requirements of diabetics and the discerning taste of the gourmet. Becker is a regular contributor to dLife, the first national television talk show created exclusively for people with diabetes. Chef Becker is currently coauthoring his second book, EAT AND BEAT DIABETES WTH PICTURE PERFECT WEIGHT LOSS with Dr. Howard Shapiro.
In 2006, Becker was named a NY Rising Star by Star Chefs.com. The lucky few chosen for this honor are able to see beyond the four walls of their own restaurant and are committed to fostering a culinary community by sharing their knowledge with fellow professionals.
In addition to all of his successes in the restaurant, Franklin is also the organizer and chairman of Autism Speaks to Wall Street, A Celebrity Chefs Gala that raised 1.1 million dollars first year. Becker's eldest son Sean is on the Autistic spectrum and he feels as if it is his duty to educate and raise awareness about Autism. This year, Becker helped raise over 1 million dollars in a very soft economy. Harry Connick Jr. entertained the crowd of well regarded business men and world class chef's. To date, Becker has helped Autism Speaks raise over 2.5 million dollars in its battle against Autism.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Becker lives in Queens with his wife and two children.