Tiffany Derry, Chef

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 Wood Fired Grill, Shef Food + Wine Festival, and 'Shef Tiffany spice and apparel line.

Tiffany was the first Black female judge on MasterChef, bringing representation to a national stage and inspiring future chefs who deserve to see themselves reflected in positions of authority. She has appeared as a judge or contestant on Worst Cooks in America, Bobby's Triple Threat, The Great American Recipe, Top Chef, Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy's Ranch, Guy's Grocery Games and the Great American Soul Food Cook Off.

Through work with organizations like Novo Nordisk, she engages communities on health, wellness, and how to access and cook nourishing food. She is spokesperson for JBF's and American Airline's sustainability efforts, a board member of the National Restaurant Association, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier and The Women's International Forum, an ambassador for the U.S. Embassy, and a longtime supporter of No Kid Hungry and MAPP.

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. In 2025, Tiffany was named to Reuters list of Trailblazing Women in Food & Agriculture.