Beaumont, Texas native Tiffany Derry 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, Radici, Syrup & Sno, The ‘Shef Food & Wine Festival and ‘Shef Tiffany spice and apparel line. Denied from her first cooking job at the age of 15 because of her race and gender, Tiffany has risen her way through the culinary ranks to run her own restaurant concepts, appear on national television, and cook for President Obama at the White House. 

Derry’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 for Roots Southern Table. 

She is currently the newest regular judge on MasterChef on Fox.  She previously was one of Bobby Flay’s Titans on Bobby’s Triple Threat on The Food Network and was a fan favorite on Top Chef.

Outside of her restaurants and television appearances, 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.