From CHOPPED Champion to Gilda’s Club Champion: Chef Dallas McGarity’s Recipe for Impact
A Career Defined by Culinary Excellence and Compassion
Chef Dallas McGarity is known in culinary circles as a rising star – but at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, he’s something more: a true Gilda’s Champion. Through years of generosity, creativity, and hands-on leadership, Dallas has become a driving force behind experiences that bring comfort, connection, and joy to individuals and families facing cancer.
As owner and operator of The Fat Lamb and Cipollini in Louisville’s Highlands, Dallas has built a career defined by both culinary excellence and community impact. He opened The Fat Lamb in 2016, quickly earning recognition for its inventive approach to upscale comfort food and craft cocktails. In 2019, he claimed victory on the Food Network’s “Chopped,” showcasing his technical skill and creativity on a national stage. More recently, he was named a 2024 semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast, highlighting his commitment to thoughtful technique, seasonal ingredients, and a vibrant kitchen culture. In 2026, he expanded his vision with Cipollini, a modern Italian concept rooted in tradition and shaped by Southern sensibility.
Transforming Dining into Connection at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana
For the past four years, Dallas has channeled that same passion into Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana—most notably through the organization’s signature Dynamic Duos event. What begins as a simple idea becomes, under his leadership, an immersive, four-course dining experience. Each room in the clubhouse is transformed into an intimate culinary destination, where food becomes a vehicle for storytelling, celebration, and connection among those navigating cancer together.
$200,000 Raised—and Counting for Cancer Support
His impact extends far beyond a single evening. Through the donation of exclusive dining experiences and auction packages, Dallas has helped generate more than $200,000 to support Gilda’s Club’s mission: ensuring no one faces cancer alone. He consistently gives not just ingredients, but his time, talent, and presence—personally preparing and presenting each course alongside his team, creating moments of genuine hospitality that resonate deeply with every guest.
Leading with Generosity During Career Milestones
“What makes Dallas’s dedication especially remarkable is his unwavering support even during pivotal moments in his own career,” says Tonya Cook, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana. “This spring, while opening Cipollini—at a time when many restauranteurs would understandably step back—he leaned in, once again bringing Dynamic Duos to life with his passion and generosity. His leadership, kindness, and steadfast advocacy truly embody the spirit of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana.”
In every sense, Chef Dallas McGarity lives up to the title of champion—not only in the kitchen, but in the community. His work reminds us that the most meaningful meals are the ones that nourish more than the body—they strengthen connection, inspire hope, and bring people together when it matters most.
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana exists so that no one faces cancer alone. Learn more about our free program of support and engaging activities for all ages.
