A native of Southern California, Chef Chad Kelley began his culinary journey after high school, working with his mother and aunt at their catering business, The Catering Company. Chef Kelley graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in January of 2000, and upon his completion Chad spent much of his time working and traveling throughout the southwest, returning home to California in 2002.
Seeking an opportunity with a growing company, Kelley began working for The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Indianapolis in September 2003. While there, he served as lead line cook, national trainer and worked his way up the ladder to Executive Sous Chef. While serving as Sous Chef, Kelley won the Taste of Alaska Wild Salmon Contest in Chicago. Winning this contest earned him a trip to Alaska to work side by side with local salmon fisherman.
Chef Kelley was then promoted to Executive Chef in Dallas shortly after his three year anniversary with The Oceanaire Seafood Room.
In August 2009, just shy of his six year anniversary with the Oceanaire, and just a few months before our wedding, Chad took a leap of faith and left The Oceanaire Seafood Room for the very last time. Eager for something new and exciting, he began discussions with Mr. Shannon Wynne, creator of Flying Fish, Flying Saucer and Restaurant 8.0, about a new concept restaurant, The Meddlesome Moth which was set to open in April 2010. On September 22, 2009, after more than two weeks of interviewing and cooking demonstrations, Chad accepted the position of Executive Chef at The Meddlesome Moth.
Nearly eight months later, after months and months of menu writing, tastings with the bosses, designing The Moth's kitchen, making small ware selections and hiring all the staff, The Meddlesome Moth finally opened it's doors on April 28th, 2010 in the Design District (1621 Oak Lawn, Dallas, TX 75207). It wasn't long after the opening that the foodie blogs started to buzz about not only the amazing beer selection and the great restaurant atmosphere but about Chef Kelley's food as well. During his time at the The Moth, their small plate "share" menu received countless RAVE reviews.
On December 3, 2011, after a little more than two crazy (and.. most of the time, very frustrating years..), Chad decided it was time to leave The Moth as Executive Chef for the last time. After many long and heart wrenching discussions, it was decided that it was time for Chad to focus on finding that culinary passion and inspiration again. Focus on bringing CHAD to the people. No holds barred. No restraints. No reservations.
Soon after Chad's departure from The Moth, Chad and I were beyond THRILLED to learn that we were expecting our first little bundle of joy, a baby girl, due in late September! Planning our family had been something we had been talking and dreaming about for the last few years so it seemed like the perfect time to break away from the chaos and frustrations that came with running any restaurant to get re-inspired again and focus on US and our growing family.
After several months of lending his talents to the the staff at The Grape Restaurant, down on Lower Greenville, Chad was approached with an opportunity he couldn't pass up. One of Dallas' most established and well known restaurants, Cafe Pacific was seeking an Executive Chef. This Dallas landmark, in existence in Highland Park Village for over 32 years, was a perfect fit for Chef Chad's seafood background.
Right on the heels of the birth of our daughter Everleigh, Chad took over the reigns in the kitchen at Cafe Pacific on October 8, 2012, eager and ready to hit the ground running.
CHEF CHAD KELLEY UPDATE*** (September 2015)
Nearly two and a half years after starting with Cafe Pacific in Dallas, Chad was once again approached with an incredible opportunity. A restaurant group, based out of Denton, was looking for an Executive Chef to head their newest restaurant concept, Barley and Board. Barley and Board, located in Denton Square, was built in 1858 and was the site of the historic Lacy Hotel.
After the usual rounds of interviews and cooking demonstrations, Chad accepted the Executive Chef position and joined a collaboration of notable entrepreneurs: John 'Sparky' Pearson, one of the minds behind the popular LSA Burger across the square; Midlake singer/guitarist Eric Pulido; actor and producer Jason Lee (My Name is Earl, Mallrats, The Church of Scientology), Steve Watkins and Earl Herrington.
This time, right one the heels of our SECOND child, a son, Grant Henry Kelley, Barley and Board opened its doors on August 12, 2015 to an outpouring of rave reviews.
Since then, Chad and the Radical Hospitality crew have designed, created and opened Earl's 377 Pizza , Bumbershoot BBQ (both in Argyle), and Bongo Beaux's in Celina.
Be sure to check out:
Be sure to check out:
Barley & Board on INSTAGRAM
Earl's 377 Pizza on INSTAGRAM
Bumbershoot BBQ on INSTAGRAM
Bongo Beaux's on INSTAGRAM
LSA Burger on INSTAGRAM
PRESS LOVE - CHEF CHAD KELLEY
Our New Monarch - Barley & Board Delivers Little Bites of Heaven - August 3, 2016
DMagazine - Hey Texas Monthly? What about the B&B Burger?- July 26, 2016
Dallas Observer - Earl's 377 Brings Impressive Pizza to Argyle - July 18, 2016
Thrillist - Best Restaurants in the Dallas Suburbs - July 17, 2016
Star-Telegram- Hit the Road - July 7, 2016
Star- Telegram - Restaurant Review: Earl's 377 - June 27, 2016
The Eats Blog - Latest Pizza Fix: Earl's 377 - June 6, 2016
Finding Dallas Blog - Earl's 377 - May 2016
Culture Map Ft. Worth - New Restaurants - May 26, 2016
The Dentonite - Earl's 377 - May 26, 2016
Star Telegram - Earl's 377 Preview - May 21, 2016
Denton Record Chronicle - Pizza joint to offer pizzazz - May 19, 2016
We Denton Do It Blog - Preview of Earl's 377 - May 19, 2016
Guide Live - Argyle Gets Much Needed New Eatery - May 19, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Minds Behind Barley & Board Bring You Earl's 377 - May 12, 2016
Fox4 - Good Day Cinco de Mayo Segment & Recipe - May 5, 2016
WFAA - Good Morning Texas - May 4, 2016
Finding Dallas Blog - Barley & Board - April 2016
Zagat - Best Oysters On The Half Shell In DFW - March 31, 2016
North Texas Daily - Local Chef's Recipe for Success - March 31, 2016
Guide Live - Travelstead Music Venue Confirmed - March 3, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Hottest Restaurants in Dallas Right Now - March 2016
Dallas Eater - Where to eat in Denton - February 23, 2016
Dallas Eater - Where to find the best pancakes in Dallas - February 19, 2016
Best Food Dallas - Instagram - February 2016
Dallas Observer - Barley and Board is Hip and Ambitious - February 2, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Hottest Restaurants in Dallas Right Now - January 2016
Zagat - Healthy Options in DFW - January 6, 2016
Denton Record Chronicle - Booming Scene in 2015 - December 26, 2015
SideDish, D Magazine - Eat This Now: The Burger at Barley & Board - November 24, 2015
ZAGAT - 10 Hottest Restaurants in Dallas-Ft. Worth - September 21, 2015
Fox4 Good Day - Fall Farro Risotto Cooking Demo - September 21, 2015
Eats Blog - Bone Marrow and Mejool Dates In The Little D - September 19, 2015
Culture Map Dallas - New Restaurants - September 16, 2015
North Texas Daily: The Dose - September 9, 2015
Central Track - Keep Denton Full - September 8, 2015
Ft. Worth Business - August 22, 2015
UrbanDaddy.com - The Weekender - August 20, 2015
Star Telegram - The Lonesome Vegetarian - August 19, 2015
DFW.com - First Bite: Barley & Board - August 14, 2015
Guide Live - Restaurant Openings - August 12, 2015
We Denton Do it - Preview: Barley & Board - August 12, 2015
Denton Record Chronicle - August 11, 2015
Dallas Eater - Denton's First Brewpub - August 11, 2015
BusinessWire.com - Barley & Board Opening - August 11, 2015
GuideLive - Barley and Board Restaurant Opening - June 24, 2015
The American Institute of Wine & Food - May 2014
Dallas Farmers Market, Cooking Series, Jack FM - May 3, 2014
SideDish, D Magazine - Farm to Market Report - May 1, 2014
My Sweet Charity - The Soup's On! - February 5, 2014
Everleigh's Chicken Vegetable Soup - KTXDTV "The Broadcast" - January 23, 2014
Art + Seek, 6th Annual Stewpot Alliance - January 21, 2014
Dallas Observer, City of Ate - December 5, 2013
Pegasus News - Everleigh's Vegetable Soup - December 20, 2013
CraveDFW - 6th Annual Stewpot Alliance Event - December 3, 2013
Dallas Business Journal, DFW's Most Expensive Restaurants - November 15, 2013
SideDish, D Magazine - D: The Cookbook, Recipes from Dallas' Celebrated Chefs - September 9, 2013
Dallas Morning News, Guide Live - Restaurant Review, Cafe Pacific - August 21, 2013
CraveDFW - Stewpot Alliance Announces Chef Line Up - January 9, 2013
Soup's On 2013 - Souper Chefs - January 2013
Eats Blog, Guide Live - October 9, 2012
Eater, Dallas - October 9, 2012
Side Dish, D Magazine - Chad Kelley Named Executive Chef at Cafe Pacific - October 8, 2012
Dallas Observer, City of Ate - December 4, 2011
Pegasus News, Restaurant Review: Meddlesome Moth in Dallas - October 2, 2011
Great Beer Deserves Great Food Blog - Interview with Chef Chad Kelley - Sept. 7, 2011
Dallas Things To Do - Best Dallas Business Restaurants - Sept. 2011
Side Dish, D Magazine - Brews News: Lips of Faith Beer Dinner - August 23, 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - Meddlesome Moth's Bone Marrow - August 10, 2011
Quick DFW - Five things to eat this week - July 20, 2011
Pegasus News, 10 Dallas Date Restaurants - June 2011
Lower Oak Lawn - Avery Experience Beer Dinner - June 2011
New Food and Beer Blog - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer, Part III - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer, Part II - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - May 2011
Dallas Foodie Reviews, Best Burgers in Dallas - April 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - Stone Brewing Dinner - April 2011
The Feast- April 2011
Our New Monarch - Barley & Board Delivers Little Bites of Heaven - August 3, 2016
DMagazine - Hey Texas Monthly? What about the B&B Burger?- July 26, 2016
Dallas Observer - Earl's 377 Brings Impressive Pizza to Argyle - July 18, 2016
Thrillist - Best Restaurants in the Dallas Suburbs - July 17, 2016
Star-Telegram- Hit the Road - July 7, 2016
Star- Telegram - Restaurant Review: Earl's 377 - June 27, 2016
The Eats Blog - Latest Pizza Fix: Earl's 377 - June 6, 2016
Finding Dallas Blog - Earl's 377 - May 2016
Culture Map Ft. Worth - New Restaurants - May 26, 2016
The Dentonite - Earl's 377 - May 26, 2016
Star Telegram - Earl's 377 Preview - May 21, 2016
Denton Record Chronicle - Pizza joint to offer pizzazz - May 19, 2016
We Denton Do It Blog - Preview of Earl's 377 - May 19, 2016
Guide Live - Argyle Gets Much Needed New Eatery - May 19, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Minds Behind Barley & Board Bring You Earl's 377 - May 12, 2016
Fox4 - Good Day Cinco de Mayo Segment & Recipe - May 5, 2016
WFAA - Good Morning Texas - May 4, 2016
Finding Dallas Blog - Barley & Board - April 2016
Zagat - Best Oysters On The Half Shell In DFW - March 31, 2016
North Texas Daily - Local Chef's Recipe for Success - March 31, 2016
Guide Live - Travelstead Music Venue Confirmed - March 3, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Hottest Restaurants in Dallas Right Now - March 2016
Dallas Eater - Where to eat in Denton - February 23, 2016
Dallas Eater - Where to find the best pancakes in Dallas - February 19, 2016
Best Food Dallas - Instagram - February 2016
Dallas Observer - Barley and Board is Hip and Ambitious - February 2, 2016
Dallas Eater - The Hottest Restaurants in Dallas Right Now - January 2016
Zagat - Healthy Options in DFW - January 6, 2016
Denton Record Chronicle - Booming Scene in 2015 - December 26, 2015
SideDish, D Magazine - Eat This Now: The Burger at Barley & Board - November 24, 2015
ZAGAT - 10 Hottest Restaurants in Dallas-Ft. Worth - September 21, 2015
Fox4 Good Day - Fall Farro Risotto Cooking Demo - September 21, 2015
Eats Blog - Bone Marrow and Mejool Dates In The Little D - September 19, 2015
Culture Map Dallas - New Restaurants - September 16, 2015
North Texas Daily: The Dose - September 9, 2015
Central Track - Keep Denton Full - September 8, 2015
Ft. Worth Business - August 22, 2015
UrbanDaddy.com - The Weekender - August 20, 2015
Star Telegram - The Lonesome Vegetarian - August 19, 2015
DFW.com - First Bite: Barley & Board - August 14, 2015
Guide Live - Restaurant Openings - August 12, 2015
We Denton Do it - Preview: Barley & Board - August 12, 2015
Denton Record Chronicle - August 11, 2015
Dallas Eater - Denton's First Brewpub - August 11, 2015
BusinessWire.com - Barley & Board Opening - August 11, 2015
GuideLive - Barley and Board Restaurant Opening - June 24, 2015
The American Institute of Wine & Food - May 2014
Dallas Farmers Market, Cooking Series, Jack FM - May 3, 2014
SideDish, D Magazine - Farm to Market Report - May 1, 2014
My Sweet Charity - The Soup's On! - February 5, 2014
Everleigh's Chicken Vegetable Soup - KTXDTV "The Broadcast" - January 23, 2014
Art + Seek, 6th Annual Stewpot Alliance - January 21, 2014
Dallas Observer, City of Ate - December 5, 2013
Pegasus News - Everleigh's Vegetable Soup - December 20, 2013
CraveDFW - 6th Annual Stewpot Alliance Event - December 3, 2013
Dallas Business Journal, DFW's Most Expensive Restaurants - November 15, 2013
SideDish, D Magazine - D: The Cookbook, Recipes from Dallas' Celebrated Chefs - September 9, 2013
Dallas Morning News, Guide Live - Restaurant Review, Cafe Pacific - August 21, 2013
CraveDFW - Stewpot Alliance Announces Chef Line Up - January 9, 2013
Soup's On 2013 - Souper Chefs - January 2013
Eats Blog, Guide Live - October 9, 2012
Eater, Dallas - October 9, 2012
Side Dish, D Magazine - Chad Kelley Named Executive Chef at Cafe Pacific - October 8, 2012
Dallas Observer, City of Ate - December 4, 2011
Pegasus News, Restaurant Review: Meddlesome Moth in Dallas - October 2, 2011
Great Beer Deserves Great Food Blog - Interview with Chef Chad Kelley - Sept. 7, 2011
Dallas Things To Do - Best Dallas Business Restaurants - Sept. 2011
Side Dish, D Magazine - Brews News: Lips of Faith Beer Dinner - August 23, 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - Meddlesome Moth's Bone Marrow - August 10, 2011
Quick DFW - Five things to eat this week - July 20, 2011
Pegasus News, 10 Dallas Date Restaurants - June 2011
Lower Oak Lawn - Avery Experience Beer Dinner - June 2011
New Food and Beer Blog - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer, Part III - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer, Part II - May 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - May 2011
Dallas Foodie Reviews, Best Burgers in Dallas - April 2011
City of Ate, Dallas Observer - Stone Brewing Dinner - April 2011
The Feast- April 2011
Side Dish, D Magazine - Ale Week - March 2011
Lower Oak Lawn - Vote In D Magazine - March 2011
D Magazine CEO - Business Lunch - March 2011
You Tube - Savor Dallas 2011 Promo - February 2011
Lower Oak Lawn- Valentine's Day Dinner - Jan. 2011
Dallas Beer Snobs - Brasserie D' Achouffe - Jan. 19, 2011
D Magazine - Best New Restaurants in Dallas - Dec. 2010
Side Dish, D Magazine - New Years Eve - Dec. 2010
Side Dish, D Magazine - Pairing Up - Oct. 21, 2010
Winn Meat - Chad Kelley & The Moth - Sept. 28, 2010
Side Dish, D Magazine - Garrett Oliver Dinner - Sept. 27, 2010
D Magazine - Restaurant Review, The Moth - July 21, 2010
Side Dish, D Magazine - Bastille on Bishop - July 13, 2010
Jim White Dinner Club - June thru August
Hello Dallas - Aug. 26, 2010
Fox, Good Day - Shrimp & Grits Demo - Aug. 12, 2010
DFW.com - Meddlesome Moth Menu - May 14, 2010
The Brad's Adventures in Food - May 4, 2010
Dallas Examiner - May 1, 2010
Side Dish, D Magazine - Oceanaire, Beer Dinner - Jan. 2009
Pegasus News - Oceanaire, Cooking Class - Nov. 2008
Dallas Modern Luxury - Zest of Dallas - May 2008
Dallas Modern Luxury - Zest of Dallas - May 2008
Side Dish, D Magazine - Oceanaire - Jan. 2008
