Susan Anne Povich: From Legal Mind to Culinary Mogul
Susan Anne Povich: From Legal Mind to Culinary Mogul
Susan Anne Povich is the embodiment of reinvention. The daughter of celebrated television host Maury Povich, Susan has charted a distinct path in her own right—first as a high-powered attorney and then as a celebrated culinary entrepreneur. Today, she is best known as the co-founder of Red Hook Lobster Pound, a Brooklyn-based seafood sensation that revolutionized lobster roll culture in New York and beyond.
But her journey from law to lobster was anything but conventional. This article dives deep into Susan Anne Povich’s life—her family legacy, education, legal career, food business success, and personal lifestyle.
👩👧 Personal Background & Early Life
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Anne Povich |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1964 |
| Age | 60 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Father | Maury Povich (TV Personality) |
| Mother | Phyllis Minkoff |
| Half-Siblings | Amy Povich, Matthew (adopted) |
| Spouse | Ralph Winthrop Gorham |
| Children | Jesse (son), Charley (daughter) |
Susan was born into a prominent media family. Her father, Maury Povich, is a household name, best known for his daytime talk show. Despite growing up in a world filled with celebrity and headlines, Susan always leaned toward creating a life outside the spotlight.
🎓 Education Journey
Susan’s academic achievements were stellar from the start. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, one of the top public universities in the United States. Not long after, she enrolled in Harvard Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor.
Her Ivy League education opened doors in the legal world—particularly in New York City, where she practiced for more than a decade.
⚖️ Career in Law
After completing her education, Susan dove into legal work, focusing on technology and entertainment law in Manhattan. Her expertise in intellectual property and music law positioned her at the forefront of a dynamic sector.
For over 15 years, she worked at top firms handling licensing deals, copyright contracts, and legal compliance for tech companies and artists.
But despite her success, something was missing.
“I had a great job in law, but I kept thinking about food. It was my real passion.” – Susan Anne Povich
This revelation led to her second act—one that would gain national attention.
🍽️ A Culinary Calling
Driven by her passion for cooking and hosting, Susan enrolled in the French Culinary Institute in New York. This pivot was fueled by both curiosity and a deep love for seafood—especially lobster, which she enjoyed during summer trips to Maine with her husband.
After graduating, she worked in kitchens across New York City. Although she initially considered opening a restaurant, she realized she preferred a more flexible and mobile approach to food delivery.
That realization sparked the creation of what would become a lobster empire.
🦞 Red Hook Lobster Pound: Birth of a Brand
| Year Founded | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Co-Founder | Ralph Winthrop Gorham (husband) |
| Specialty | Maine-style lobster rolls and seafood |
| Locations | Brooklyn, Manhattan, Washington, D.C., Montauk |
| Accolades | “Best Food Truck in America” (2013) |
In 2009, Susan and Ralph co-founded the Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn’s waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook. The concept was born from a simple desire to bring authentic Maine lobster rolls to New York City.
Their food quickly captured the hearts (and stomachs) of foodies all over the borough—and later the nation.
Business Expansion
Red Hook Lobster Pound expanded beyond Brooklyn:
- D.C. Location: Opened to strong demand.
- Manhattan Outpost: Catered to Midtown professionals.
- Big Red Food Truck: A mobile seafood truck that went on to win “Best Food Truck in America” by The Daily Meal in 2013.
Susan became known as the “Chief Lobsterette,” a persona that resonated both online and in her community.
📈 Business Philosophy & Brand Identity
Susan brought a lawyer’s precision to her restaurant operations:
- Licensing & Logistics: Ensuring compliant seafood sourcing and health regulations.
- Marketing: Leveraged personal branding (@lobstahmama on Instagram) to connect with audiences.
- Sustainability: Emphasized responsibly sourced seafood, supporting Maine’s lobster fisheries.
Her legal background gave her the edge in negotiating food truck permits, vendor partnerships, and real estate leases.
📊 Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Born to Maury Povich and Phyllis Minkoff |
| 1986 | Graduated from University of Michigan |
| 1989 | Earned JD from Harvard Law School |
| 1990s–2000s | Practiced law in NYC (tech/music law) |
| 2008 | Attended French Culinary Institute |
| 2009 | Co-founded Red Hook Lobster Pound |
| 2013 | Big Red wins Best Food Truck in America |
| 2020s | Ongoing expansion and media appearances |
💼 Susan Anne Povich: The Public Face
Susan has appeared in:
- Food Network features
- Travel Channel’s street food segments
- Panel discussions on women in business and culinary entrepreneurship
She is regularly invited to speak at food festivals and legal conferences—particularly where law intersects with hospitality.
👨👩👧👦 Personal Life
Susan has been married to Ralph Gorham since May 1998. Ralph is a design-builder and creative partner in the lobster business. They share two children—Jesse and Charley—and the family resides in Brooklyn, balancing city life with trips to coastal Maine.
Her Instagram handle, @lobstahmama, is a glimpse into her personal passions: food, family, travel, and humor.
🗣️ Public Reception & Media Mentions
Susan Anne Povich’s story has been widely covered by:
- People Magazine (Family background)
- The New York Times (Red Hook’s revival post-Hurricane Sandy)
- Eater NY (Business resilience)
- LinkedIn (Entrepreneurship features)
Her ability to switch careers successfully has been highlighted as a model of entrepreneurial courage.
❓FAQs About Susan Anne Povich
Who is Susan Anne Povich?
She is a Harvard-educated lawyer turned culinary entrepreneur, known for founding Red Hook Lobster Pound.
Is Susan Povich related to Maury Povich?
Yes, she is the daughter of talk show host Maury Povich and his first wife, Phyllis Minkoff.
What is Red Hook Lobster Pound?
It’s a popular seafood restaurant and food truck business in NYC, co-founded by Susan in 2009.
Did Susan Anne Povich study law?
Yes, she earned her law degree from Harvard Law School and worked as an attorney for 15 years.
What is Susan Povich doing now?
She continues to run Red Hook Lobster Pound and is an advocate for women in business and sustainable seafood practices.
🏷️ Final Thoughts
Susan Anne Povich exemplifies what it means to follow your passion fearlessly. From the corporate boardrooms of Manhattan to the culinary streets of Brooklyn, she’s managed to build a brand that is not only successful but deeply personal.
Her story speaks to every professional considering a bold pivot in life: with the right mix of passion, discipline, and grit, it’s never too late to change lanes and make an impact.
