What Happened to Joseph Anthony Amabile?
Joseph "Joe" Amabile, known as "Grocery Store Joe," rose to fame through appearances on 'The Bachelorette' and 'Bachelor in Paradise,' where he met and married Serena Pitt. He has since expanded his career into podcasting and entrepreneurship, but recently underwent successful brain surgery in August 2026 after being diagnosed with an early-stage brain tumor.
Quick Answer
Joe Amabile, widely known as "Grocery Store Joe" from the Bachelor franchise, is currently recovering at home after successfully undergoing brain surgery in August 2026 to remove an early-stage brain tumor. He is married to Serena Pitt, whom he met on 'Bachelor in Paradise,' and they co-host the 'Not Married to This' podcast. Amabile continues to be a television personality and entrepreneur with his 'Sundays with Joe' pasta sauce line.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Joseph Anthony Amabile is born in Chicago, Illinois.
Appears on The Bachelorette
Joe Amabile makes his reality TV debut on Season 14 of 'The Bachelorette' with Becca Kufrin, quickly becoming a fan favorite despite being eliminated on Night 1.
Joins Bachelor in Paradise Season 5
Amabile appears on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 5, where he begins a relationship with Kendall Long.
Competes on Dancing with the Stars Season 27
Joe Amabile is announced as a contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 27, partnered with Jenna Johnson, eventually tying for 5th place.
Breaks up with Kendall Long
After nearly two years together, Joe Amabile and Kendall Long announce their separation.
Launches 'Sundays with Joe' Pasta Sauce
Amabile expands his entrepreneurial ventures by launching his own line of gourmet marinara pasta sauce, 'Sundays with Joe.'
Returns to Bachelor in Paradise Season 7
Amabile returns to 'Bachelor in Paradise' for a second time, where he meets Serena Pitt.
Gets Engaged to Serena Pitt
Joe Amabile proposes to Serena Pitt in the finale of 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 7.
Moves to New York City with Serena Pitt
Amabile and Pitt move in together in New York City.
Marries Serena Pitt in Courthouse Ceremony
Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt officially tie the knot in a private courthouse ceremony.
Becomes Co-Host of 'Bachelor Happy Hour' Podcast
Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt take over as the new hosts of the official 'Bachelor Happy Hour' podcast.
Official Wedding Ceremony in Charleston
The couple holds a larger, official wedding ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina, surrounded by family and friends.
Departs from 'Bachelor Happy Hour' Podcast
Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt announce their departure as hosts of the 'Bachelor Happy Hour' podcast to pursue other ventures.
Reveals Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Amabile publicly shares that doctors discovered an early-stage brain tumor (glioma) after a full-body MRI scan, requiring surgery.
Undergoes Successful Brain Surgery
Joe Amabile undergoes brain surgery, and he announces on Instagram that doctors successfully removed the entire tumor.
Discharged from Hospital, Recovering at Home
Serena Pitt confirms that Joe Amabile has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at their New York City home.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joseph Anthony Amabile, born April 12, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois, initially pursued a career in finance as one of the youngest traders on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He later transitioned into the family business, co-owning Eric's Food Center, a grocery store in Chicago, which earned him his enduring nickname, 'Grocery Store Joe.'
Amabile gained national attention in 2018 as a contestant on Becca Kufrin's season of 'The Bachelorette,' despite being eliminated on the first night. His charming and relatable demeanor quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to his appearance on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 5 later that year. During this season, he formed a relationship with Kendall Long, which continued off-screen until their breakup in January 2020. His reality TV presence expanded further when he competed on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 27 in 2018, tying for 5th place.
Following his initial reality TV stints, Amabile ventured into entrepreneurship with his 'Sundays with Joe' gourmet marinara pasta sauce, launched in 2020. He also became a prominent voice in Bachelor Nation podcasting, co-hosting 'Click Bait with Bachelor Nation' until May 2023. In 2021, Amabile returned to 'Bachelor in Paradise' for its seventh season, where he met and became engaged to Serena Pitt. The couple moved to New York City in April 2022 and had a courthouse wedding in October 2022, followed by an official ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 2, 2023.
Amabile and Pitt continued their podcasting journey, taking over as hosts of the 'Bachelor Happy Hour' podcast in June 2023. However, they announced their departure from the podcast in January 2026, citing a desire to explore new chapters. They subsequently launched their own podcast, 'Not Married to This,' which focuses on their relationship and daily life.
The most significant recent development in Amabile's life occurred in July 2026 when he revealed that doctors discovered an early-stage brain tumor, identified as a glioma, after a full-body MRI scan. He underwent brain surgery in early August 2026 to remove the tumor. On August 6, 2026, Amabile shared a positive update on Instagram, stating, 'They got it all!' He was discharged from the hospital on August 8, 2026, and is currently recovering at home with his wife, Serena Pitt. Amabile has expressed optimism about his recovery, even hoping to run the 2026 NYC Marathon.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joseph Anthony Amabile made different choices?