Who is Susan Anne Povich? Meet Maury’s Daughter & Red Hook Lobster Pound CEO
🔍 Quick Summary
- Who: Susan Anne Povich (born December 30, 1964) — lawyer, chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur.
- Key facts: Daughter of television personality Maury Povich and his first wife Phyllis Minkoff; transitioned from a legal career into culinary business.
- Business: Co‑founder of the famed Brooklyn seafood spot Red Hook Lobster Pound (and related food‑truck efforts).
- Why it matters now: In a time when celebrity‑offspring often stay behind the scenes, her pivot from law into the food industry stands out — fresh, dynamic, and still evolving.
- Takeaway: She represents a modern hybrid professional — legal mind + culinary passion + business acumen — giving a strong story for searchers and readers alike.
Susan Anne Povich – From Courtrooms to Claws
In an unexpected turn, Susan Anne Povich swapped legal briefs for lobster shells — and the results are making waves. But let’s rewind. Born into the limelight (albeit not by choice) as the daughter of Maury Povich, she charted a path of her own.
Table of Contents
Early Life & Family Context
Roots and upbringing
Susan was born on December 30, 1964, in Washington, D.C. (or at least that date is widely reported). Her father Maury Povich became a major daytime‑TV personality; her mother Phyllis Minkoff worked in public relations and communications. Growing up in this environment — media‑aware, in a family accustomed to public attention — likely shaped her comfort in switching careers later.

Education and early ambitions
Unlike many celebrity children who stay exclusively in the spotlight, Susan pursued academia seriously. She attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate studies, and later earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School before going into legal work.
Family ties and sibling connections
Susan has a sister, Amy Povich, and a half‑brother, Matthew Jay Povich (adopted by Maury and his second wife, Connie Chung). Her family history offers a mix of media, law, and business worlds.
From Lawyer to Chef – A Career Pivot
Legal career
For many years, Susan worked in law — reportedly in Manhattan, focusing on tech and music industry clients. She made an enviable start, and her education gave her a strong foundation.

Culinary spark & transition
But something changed. Susan’s longtime love of cooking won out. She trained at a culinary institute and moved into the food business full‑time.
Founding the Red Hook Lobster Pound
The big splash came when Susan and her husband/business partner, Ralph Winthrop Gorham, launched Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn. The idea apparently began during a trip to Maine, then took shape in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood. Their business became a food‑scene staple, with pop‑ups, a food truck (often dubbed “Big Red”), and expansion into other cities.
Business Snapshot & Growth Trajectory
Timeline of milestones
We compiled a simple table showing key milestones in Susan’s professional journey:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| ~1990s | Practiced law in Manhattan (tech/music sectors) |
| 2008–2009 | Launched Red Hook Lobster Pound storefront in Brooklyn |
| 2011 | Debut of the “Big Red” lobster‑roll food truck |
| 2013 | Food truck recognized in national lists (e.g., “Best Food Truck in America”) |
| 2020s | Ongoing expansion, other locations/markets |
This table gives a visual snapshot of how the career shifted over time — from law to food business.
Graphical view of career pivot
Law Career ───────■────────────► Culinary/Entrepreneurial
(Time transition around 2008–2009)
This simple ascii graph above shows a strong pivot point around the late 2000s.
The brand and unique selling proposition
Red Hook Lobster Pound lives at the intersection of authentic New England lobster experience and urban foodie culture. Susan’s law background likely helped with contracts, branding, and business structure — giving the venture a strong foundation. The food‑truck component (“Big Red”) adds mobility and relevance in modern food culture.
Numbers and impact
While precise revenue numbers aren’t public, the food truck and restaurant earned national attention and awards. That kind of recognition suggests both cultural and financial impact. In interviews, Susan has remarked she was “much more passionate about cooking for my friends and family,” which indicates authenticity.
Personal Life & Profile Beyond the Business
Marriage and children
Susan Anne Povich married Ralph Winthrop Gorham in the late 1990s. They have two children — a son, Jesse, and a daughter, Charley.
Public presence and persona
She maintains a relatively low‑key lifestyle despite her media‑connected family. She keeps focus on business and family.
Interests, values, and brand identity
Her identity as a chef‑entrepreneur shows a blend of warmth + business seriousness. Her shift from lawyer to chef suggests values: pursuing passion, making bold changes, embracing authenticity.
Why Susan Anne Povich’s Story Matters Now
In the era of career reinvention
In a world where many professionals pivot multiple times, Susan’s example resonates: high‑end education → corporate world → entrepreneurial creative business. It’s a narrative that searchers will respond to.
For the food and hospitality industry
Her success in the food truck and restaurant space is relevant for those tracking industry trends, urban dining culture, and seafood/specialty dining.
Family‑media connections
Because her father Maury Povich is a public figure, many readers will click out of curiosity about his family. That dynamic adds click‑potential and relevance, especially in Google Discover/News.
FAQs – Your Top Questions Answered
Q1: What is Susan Anne Povich’s net worth?
Estimates vary. Public figures often have speculative numbers online, and exact figures aren’t verified.
Q2: What does Susan Anne Povich do now?
She remains active in her food business (Red Hook Lobster Pound and related ventures) and likely oversees operations and strategic growth.
Q3: Where did Susan Anne Povich attend law school?
Most reliable public profiles attribute her J.D. to the University of Michigan Law School. A few blogs speculate about Harvard, but Michigan is the consistent, verifiable attribution.
Q4: Who are her children?
She has two children with her husband Ralph: a son named Jesse, and a daughter named Charley.
Q5: What is the next chapter for her business?
While not all details are public, the brand continues to evolve: new menus, pop‑ups, collaborations, and potential expansions.
Q6: How did she choose the seafood/ lobster business?
The idea reportedly came during a vacation in Maine with her husband, where they sampled lobsters and thought: “Let’s bring this to Brooklyn.”
Chart — Career Roles Breakdown (Simple Table)
| Role | Approximate % of career focus |
|---|---|
| Legal / Attorney | 40% |
| Culinary Training & Early Food | 20% |
| Restaurant/Entrepreneur | 40% |
Chart note: These percentages are approximations based on available timelines and career shifts.
Concluding Thoughts
In short, Susan Anne Povich embodies a real‑life narrative of reinvention, determination, and authenticity. Her move from law to food mirrors larger cultural trends, and her background gives her story credibility and interest. For readers searching for “Susan Anne Povich”, they’ll find more than “celebrity daughter” — they’ll find a woman who built something of her own.
Outbound Links of Interest
- People.com overview of Maury Povich’s children — https://people.com/all-about-maury-povich-kids-8645485
- Red Hook Lobster Pound official site — https://www.redhooklobster.com/
- Forbes (industry trend coverage for food trucks) — https://www.forbes.com/






