Chef & Restaurateur Shaping Southern Cuisine; Founder & CEO of Rocket Farm Restaurants; Author of "Tex-Mex"

Roswell, GA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Ford Fry Biography

Ford Fry is an American chef and restaurateur recognized for his impact on Southern cuisine and the restaurant industry. Fry is the founder and CEO of Rocket Farm Restaurants, a hospitality group that operates more than two dozen restaurant concepts across the Southeastern United States and Texas, with a focus on creative, neighborhood-oriented Southern dining. CBS This Morning has described Fry as one of the most prolific chefs and restaurateurs in the United States.

After attending the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, Fry worked as a fine-dining chef in Florida, Colorado, and California, advancing to executive chef roles at luxury hotel brands such as Ritz-Carlton. His culinary journey eventually led him to Atlanta, where he opened his first restaurant, "JCT. Kitchen & Bar," in the Westside neighborhood. Fry received a StarChefs Rising Star Award for his work. He later opened "The Optimist," a sustainable seafood eatery and oyster bar.

Fry's restaurant group includes 27 restaurants in cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Winter Park, Raleigh, and Houston. His portfolio features a range of culinary styles, including Italian-inspired "No. 246," European steakhouse "Marcel," Tex-Mex-driven "Superica," and seafood-focused "BeetleCat." Each restaurant is chef owned and operated, committed to its community, and emphasizes local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

"Marcel" was recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for Atlanta, with "Little Sparrow" also joining the guide and "Superica" earning a Bib Gourmand distinction. "The Optimist" was named Best New Restaurant of the Year by Esquire, included among the 50 best new restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and ranked as the No. 7 best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. Fry is a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist and has received honors such as Georgia Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year, Eater Atlanta's Empire Builder of the Year, and StarChefs Rising Star.

Fry has also authored the cookbook "Tex-Mex: Traditions, Innovations, and Comfort Foods from Both Sides of The Border." He founded the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival in Atlanta, an annual event now led by Georgia Organics that brings together chefs, mixologists, and local farmers to create tomato-inspired dishes. Fry's restaurants are known for their commitment to community, local ingredients, and a philosophy of creating dining experiences that foster connection across generations.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/23/2026.

Ford Fry Videos

How to help the restaurant industry // Clay Scroggins & Ford Fry

How to help the restaurant industry // Clay Scroggins & Ford Fry

The joy of Tex Mex with Chef Ford Fry

The joy of Tex Mex with Chef Ford Fry

Ford Fry: Humility

Ford Fry: Humility

  • How do I book Ford Fry to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Ford Fry

    Speaking fees for Ford Fry, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ford Fry are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ford Fry, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ford Fry speak about?

    Ford Fry is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Leadership, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Health & Wellness, Hospitality, Leadership, Non-Fiction Authors, Nutrition
  • Where does Ford Fry travel from?

    Ford Fry generally travels from Roswell, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Ford Fry is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ford Fry for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Ford Fry generally travels from Roswell, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Sonia Hunt, Nicole Ponseca, Allen Campbell, Gary L. Smalls and Ellen Latham. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ford Fry for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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