Ellen Kassoff was born and raised in D.C. She earned an economics degree from the University of Maryland and studied at the University of London. After working on a kibbutz and a scuba diving boat in Israel, she returned home and began her career at Sysco Food Service, where she eventually made a productive sales call to a young cook named Todd Gray. The two would later marry in 1995.

Ellen's contributions to the food industry have earned her several awards and recognitions, including Manager of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Golden Fork Award for Front-of-the-House Excellence. She was also a finalist for Les Dames d'Escoffier's Women Who Inspire Award in 2023. Ellen, along with Chef Todd, published their first book, The New Jewish Table, in 2013. She has also authored numerous food and wine articles in various newspapers and a travel guide to Virginia wineries.

In 2004, Ellen launched Equinox Restaurant's event and catering division, which has since expanded to Rehoboth Beach. The division designs, executes, and manages all events, from large weddings and fundraisers to intimate dinner parties.

Besides her work in the food industry, Ellen is a passionate animal welfare advocate. She founded the Washington Humane Society's Sugar & Champagne Gala, which raised over $1 million throughout its twelve-year run. Additionally, she has served on several leadership boards, including the Washington Jewish Community Center, Les Dames d'Escoffier, and The Washington Humane Society. Ellen also supports and helps organize fundraising for charitable organizations like Chefs for Equality, PETA, and Rock Creek Conservancy. She has been a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier International since 2003.

Ellen has actively participated in the zero waste movement and has worked closely with the D.C. Mayor's office to reduce food waste. Her noteworthy efforts have led Equinox to become one of the first restaurants in D.C. to introduce on-site composting, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. In recognition of her contribution towards creating a sustainable environment, Ellen was awarded two grants from the D.C. Government to continue her efforts.

Ellen Kassoff is the spiritual director, business manager, and front-of-house facilitator for the couple's entities, Half Moon & Totally Fried Hospitality.