When Erin French rose to international acclaim as the creative force behind The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, millions of readers and viewers became captivated by her story of resilience. Alongside her culinary journey, public curiosity naturally turned toward her personal life, particularly her marriage to media executive Michael Dutton. While Erin spends her days managing a world-renowned 40-seat restaurant that draws tens of thousands of reservation postcards each year, Michael operates largely behind the scenes as her partner in life and business.
Understanding Michael Dutton's background, their meeting, and how they support each other illuminates a quieter side of the chef's fiercely guarded private life. Far from the glaring lights of reality television, their partnership forms the steady foundation behind one of America's most unique dining destinations.
Who Is Michael Dutton?
Michael Dutton is a media executive and producer whose professional background centers on media, technology, and creative production. Unlike chefs who court celebrity status through constant public appearances, Michael maintains a low profile, preferring to let Erin's culinary vision take center stage.
He moved into Erin's orbit after a period of intense personal and professional rebuilding for the chef. After navigating a painful divorce from her first husband, Todd French, with whom she originally opened an early iteration of The Lost Kitchen in Belfast, Maine, Erin faced severe public and private hurdles, including losing her business and battling addiction. When she finally carved out a second chance in Freedom, Maine, buying a 1965 Airstream trailer to host supper clubs and eventually restoring a 19th-century gristmill, her life shifted dramatically. Entering that next chapter required a partner who understood the weight of public scrutiny and creative reinvention.
How Erin French and Michael Dutton Met
Like many modern couples, Erin and Michael connected online. They met through the dating platform Match.com roughly nine years before tying the knot. At the time of their initial meeting, Erin was deep into the grueling work of reviving her career and building what would become The Lost Kitchen inside a historic mill.
Their relationship blossomed away from the public eye. Michael brought a grounding corporate and creative perspective to Erin's hectic world of hospitality. Friends and profiles note that Michael provided an anchor of stability, supporting her through the intense demands of running a seasonal restaurant that operates entirely on handwritten reservation postcards.
Wedding and Married Life in Maine
In August 2018, Erin French and Michael Dutton were married in an intimate ceremony that reflected their shared love for simplicity, nature, and the Maine countryside. True to Erin's aesthetic, the wedding avoided glitz in favor of rustic warmth, surrounded by close family and friends.
Since their wedding, the couple has lived and worked closely together in Freedom, Maine—a tiny town with a population under 800. Michael serves not just as a spouse, but as an active creative and operational partner in the broader ecosystem of The Lost Kitchen.
- Collaborative Creation: Michael has worked alongside Erin to expand the physical and digital footprint of the restaurant, helping manage the transition into media projects, books, and documentary features.
- Shared Values: Both share a deep commitment to the local Maine community, supporting local farmers, environmental cleanup initiatives such as PFAS contamination awareness, and the preservation of rural traditions.
- Quiet Routines: Outside of the frantic summer and fall operating months, the couple enjoys a quiet, private existence centered around nature, gardening, and simple home cooking.
How Michael Supports The Lost Kitchen Empire
Running a global culinary destination out of a tiny rural town requires immense logistical coordination. While Erin commands the kitchen and interacts directly with guests as a gracious host, Michael's media background has helped navigate the brand's expansion into publishing and television.
When Erin published her bestselling memoir, Finding Freedom in the Lost Kitchen, and subsequently released her cookbook and television series, Michael's experience in media executive roles provided a vital sounding board. He understands how to protect their privacy while allowing the public to experience the authentic warmth of the restaurant through authorized channels. Rather than diluting the brand with corporate expansion, they have kept the business intentionally small, focusing on rustic cabins, community gardens, and sustainable local sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Erin French and Michael Dutton get married?
They were married in August 2018 after meeting on Match.com several years prior.
What is Michael Dutton's profession?
Michael is a media executive and producer who collaborates with Erin on creative projects related to The Lost Kitchen.
Was Erin French married previously?
Yes. Erin was previously married to Todd French, with whom she shared her early life and initial restaurant business in Belfast, Maine. That marriage ended in divorce.
Does Michael Dutton work inside the restaurant?
While Erin runs the kitchen and hospitality experience, Michael assists with the broader business, media strategy, and creative direction of their joint ventures in Freedom, Maine.
