Tiffany Derry is a judge on The Great American Recipe, premiering June 24 on PBS. The Texas native is the founder of Tiffany Derry Concepts and co-founder of T2D Concepts, the Texas-based purpose-driven hospitality group behind Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table and ‘Shef Tiffany spice and apparel line.
Tiffany knew her purpose was to be in the kitchen from an early age. Growing up on her family’s farm in the South, farm-to-table eating wasn’t a trend, it was a way of life—eating with the seasons, canning, and preserving fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. Her grandmother always welcomed guests to her kitchen with love and taught Tiffany that cooking is more than just putting a few ingredients together—it’s a passion.
This propelled Tiffany to apply to her first cooking job at the age of 15 at IHOP, which she was denied from because of her race and gender and was hired as a server instead. Tiffany was eventually given the opportunity to cook when the kitchen was understaffed, and she stepped in and stepped up. In just a short amount of time, she was promoted to kitchen management, making her the youngest person to hold a managerial role in the restaurant.
Tiffany earned her culinary degree from the Art Institute of Houston and deepened her appreciation for different cuisines and cultures through the study abroad program that took her to Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, France, China, and Hawaii. Tiffany went on to cook in esteemed kitchens throughout Texas including Pesce, Grotto Cucina Napolitano, and Go Fish Ocean Club. In 2010, Tiffany teamed with the Halstin Group to open Private|Social in Dallas to much fanfare, including a 4-star review and a “Best Chefs in DFW” title from The Dallas Morning News.
Tiffany stepped into the spotlight when she appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 7, earning the title of “fan favorite” and finishing in the top four. Derry’s quiet confidence, warm southern charm, and culinary expertise made her a natural selection for Top Chef: All-Stars, where she was again a finalist. Tiffany serves as a recurring advisor and judge on Top Chef, Top Chef Junior, and Bar Rescue.
In 2016, Tiffany and her business partner Tom Foley, Esq. founded T2D Concepts, which operates her current restaurants and her spice and apparel line. Fueled by a spirit of service and a deep-rooted hunger to drive social change, T2D aims to bridge the gender and racial wealth gap in the hospitality industry through the power of good food and meaningful dialogue around the table. Tiffany is a two-time James Beard Award 2022 Finalist. Her restaurant, Roots Southern Table was named a Best New Restaurant finalist and Tiffany for Best Chef Texas.
Outside of her restaurants, Tiffany is a fierce advocate for social justice and equity across gender, race, and food access. She spends much of her spare time lobbying politicians to pass sustainable and healthy food polices—she was integral in getting the farm bill updated in 2013. Tiffany serves as a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a spokesperson for the James Beard Foundation’s sustainability efforts, an ambassador for diabetes organization Novo Nordisk, and sits on the Board of Directors for Food Policy Action.
Meet the Host and Judges
Alejandra Ramos
Alejandra Ramos is the host of The Great American Recipe. She is a television host, TODAY Show food & lifestyle contributor, trained chef, and food writer known for creative recipes and entertaining ideas that are playful, improvisational, and always just a little bit extra. READ MORE
Leah Cohen
Leah Cohen is a judge on The Great American Recipe. Leah is the chef and owner of acclaimed New York City restaurant Pig & Khao on the Lower East Side. A 2013 StarChefs Rising Stars Award recipient, Leah’s Filipino upbringing and annual expeditions to the region are reflected in her cooking philosophy, which stays true to authentic Southeast Asian flavors while incorporating classical western techniques. READ MORE
Graham Elliot
Graham Elliot is a judge on The Great American Recipe. He is a self-described "navy brat," has traveled the world and all 50 states, sparking an intense interest in food which led him to attend Johnson & Wales University. READ MORE