Thread by @Variety

Superstar chef Bobby Flay and Food Network are set to part ways after a 27-year run that has made the restaurateur and businessman one of the country’s most recognizable culinary figures. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

Flay and Food Network have been in negotiations on a new contract for some time. His most recent three-year pact with the Discovery-owned cabler expires at year’s end. Sources close to the situation said that Food Network has ended the negotiations. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

Flay’s representatives at WME declined to comment on the situation, citing the policy of not commenting on active negotiations. That’s an indication that Flay’s team sees some hardball negotiating tactics afoot. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

But sources close to Food Network say the decision has been made to move on. Food Network declined to comment for this story. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

The parting will come as a shock to longtime Food Network viewers. Flay has been a staple of Food Network programming since its inception in 1994. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

Flay has fronted a slew of series and specials for the cabler, from recent offerings such as “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Brunch at Bobby’s” to the original “Grillin’ and Chillin'” series that established Flay as a barbecue master. bit.ly/3oPBUuK

Flay is also a regular contender on Food Network’s many game shows, from “Chopped” and “Iron Chef America” to "Worst Cooks in America." bit.ly/3oPBUuK