Franco Noriega

Franco Noriega Haltenhof was born on January 16, 1989, in Lima, Peru. He demonstrated early talent as a competitive swimmer, representing Peru in various international tournaments. After retiring from his swimming career, Noriega relocated to New York City in 2007 to pursue studies in singing and acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His modeling career subsequently began after he was discovered by fashion photographer Mario Testino. Noriega has since modeled for prominent brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, and Hugo Boss. In 2012, he became the youngest Creative Director at Macy’s for their millennial division.

Noriega transitioned into the culinary world, attending the International Culinary Center in New York City in 2015. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and restaurateurs in Latin America, he founded BABY BRASA, a Peruvian restaurant, in 2016. The brand’s flagship location opened in the West Village, offering organic Peruvian cuisine and establishing a full-service catering division. He also co-owns a restaurant chain, Loreta, in Peru with his sister and launched a Sushi Bar in Manhattan in September 2022.

Beyond his business ventures, Noriega has a notable presence in television and music. He has hosted several television programs on the Food Network, including his own series “Hot Dish with Franco,” which premiered in September 2023. His culinary expertise has been featured as a guest on talk shows such as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2016), “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (2018), and “The Wendy Williams Show” (2017). In 2017, Noriega entered the music industry with his debut single “Me Aceleras,” followed by “Tu Llamada” in 2019. He was also a contestant on the Latin version of “Dancing with the Stars,” “Mira Quien Baila,” in 2017.