Tiffany Derry

Beaumont, Texas native Tiffany Derry has always loved food, beginning her career in hospitality when she was just 15 working at the local International House of Pancakes. Although it may not sound glamorous, working there instilled Derry with an even greater sense of determination and responsibility, and by the time she turned 17, she was the youngest person to ever be in management at International House of Pancakes.

Upon graduating high school, Derry would go on to attend the Art Institute of Houston, where her love for cooking grew. In addition to learning all she could through classes and practical experience, Derry was also president of the Great Chefs Club and a member of the American Culinary Foundation Junior Chefs Team.

Tiffany earned her culinary degree from the Art Institute of Houston and deepened her appreciation for various cuisines and cultures through the study abroad program that took her to Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, France, China, and Hawaii.

She went on to cook in esteemed kitchens throughout Texas including Pesce, Grotto Cucina Napolitano, Go Fish Ocean Club, and Private|Social.

Derry eventually moved to Dallas and became an instructor at the Art Institute of Dallas Culinary School, where she taught her students the business, and what it means to want something and go for it with all they have. She brought that work ethic and commitment to Dallas acclaimed Go Fish Ocean Club, where she was executive chef, and especially to Season 7 of Bravos Top Chef, where she was voted Fan Favorite.

It was on Top Chef where the country was introduced to Derrys quiet confidence and genuine natural ability in the kitchen. Her overall talent and strong demeanor brought her far into the competition, and her personality made her a natural for Top Chef All-Stars, where Derry fared extremely well, making it to the final four chefs.

Tiffany’s authentic approach to Southern cooking landed her on the 2022 James Beard Award finalist list in two categories – Best Chef (Texas) and Best New Restaurant (Roots Southern Table).

T2D was named to Nation’s Restaurant News Power List, the definitive list of the 50 most powerful industry leaders, for Tom and Tiffany’s forward-thinking, inclusive approach to hospitality.

Tiffany is also 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, a board member for the National Restaurant Association, an educational ambassador for the U.S. Embassy and supports No Kid Hungry and MAPP.