George Lovato Jr. launches voice-activated culinary AI avatar Chef-iT

George Lovato Jr., the On-Call Outdoor Chef on Chasing The Flames, has launched Chef-iT, a subscription-based voice AI platform that lets users talk to an interactive digital chef. The product goes live for the public Aug. 1 and targets home cooks, chefs and restaurant operators seeking real-time culinary and business guidance.

Why it matters: - Chef-iT aims to make professional culinary guidance available through voice conversation instead of typed chat. - The platform targets both home cooks and foodservice professionals who need fast answers on cooking and restaurant operations. - The subscription product could shorten the gap between kitchen problems and expert guidance.

What happened: - George Lovato Jr. announced the launch of Chef-iT, a voice-activated culinary AI avatar platform. - Lovato is known as the On-Call Outdoor Chef on the television series Chasing The Flames. - The public launch is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2026. - The platform is subscription-based.

The details: - Chef-iT lets users speak with “Chef George” in natural back-and-forth conversations. - Users can ask for help with recipes, cooking techniques, food safety, menu development, restaurant management, food costing, menu pricing, accounting, marketing strategies and staff training. - Lovato said Chef-iT was created to feel like having an experienced chef standing beside the user whenever help is needed. - Lovato said users can get answers for family dinners or professional kitchen management through simple conversation. - Example use cases include a home cook asking what to make with chicken, mushrooms, spinach and cream. - Another example shows a chef asking how many 14-ounce steaks can come from 15 pounds of ribeye purchased at $23 per pound, and what menu price should support a target food cost. - The platform is designed to deliver immediate responses and actionable recommendations. - Chef-iT combines culinary knowledge with artificial intelligence to create an interactive learning and problem-solving experience.

Between the lines: - Chef-iT is positioned less like a general chatbot and more like a specialized kitchen assistant. - The focus on restaurant math, pricing and operations suggests the product is built to appeal to professionals as much as hobby cooks. - The launch also extends Lovato's personal brand beyond television into software and digital services.

What's next: - Chef-iT will become available to the public on Aug. 1, 2026. - Lovato said the mission is to make expert culinary knowledge available to anyone, anytime, anywhere. - The company appears to be betting on voice interaction as the main way users will access the platform.

The bottom line: - Chef-iT turns George Lovato Jr.'s culinary expertise into a voice-driven AI product aimed at kitchens that need practical answers fast.