Lagasse initially gained fame in the culinary world as executive chef of Commander’s Palace. After leaving Commander’s he opened his first restaurant, Emeril’s, in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1990. It was designated “Restaurant of the Year” in Esquire magazine of that year. Lagasse is mainly known for his emphasis on Creole and Cajun cooking styles. Indeed, many of his restaurants, as well as his corporate office, Emeril’s Homebase, are located in New Orleans. Lagasse is the executive chef and proprietor of thirteen restaurants.




In April 2008, Emeril closed the doors on Emeril’s Atlanta, which had been open since 2003. Emeril’s Atlanta has been the only Emeril’s restaurant to close.In May 2009, during preparations for the opening of Emeril's Chop House at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Emeril announced that he has plans to open two more restaurants in the resort - the first of which will open in November 2009 and will focus on gourmet burgers.