Jason Dady

Jason Dady is an American chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur. He is known for his appearances on television cooking shows, including “BBQ Brawl,” "Iron Chef Gauntlet," and "Beat Bobby Flay" on Food Network. He's also the founder of Chef Jason Dady Restaurants in San Antonio, Texas.

Jason Dady in 2023

Early life and education

Jason Dady was born in Kearney, Nebraska in 1976.^[1] He moved to Coppell, Texas in 1989 and attended Coppell High School.^[2] He later attended Texas Tech University before pursuing formal culinary training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.^[3] After graduating, he gained experience in restaurants such as Stars, Beringer Wine Estate, and Jardinere, where he worked with American restaurateur Traci Des Jardins, before moving to San Antonio, Texas, in 2001 to establish his own restaurant concepts.^[4]

Career and Restaurants

In 2001, Dady, along with his brother Jake Dady and wife Crystal Dady, launched The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills, introducing one of San Antonio's first tasting menus.^[5] The Lodge became part of the rise of fine dining in San Antonio, which was initiated in the early 2000s by Chef Bruce Auden, who is now regarded as the “godfather of San Antonio fine dining.”^[6] The restaurant was open for 10 years before closing at the end of 2011.^[7]