Chef Duane Nutter
The Mad Chef – Reimagining Southern Cuisine
Southern Roots • Global Flavors • Unforgettable Experiences
A Culinary Innovator with Southern Roots
Chef Duane Nutter’s journey from Morgan City, Louisiana, to the pinnacle of culinary excellence is a testament to his creativity, dedication, and passion for food. Born and raised in Louisiana, Nutter grew up steeped in the rich traditions of Creole and Southern cuisine, which continue to inspire his cooking today. His career began in 1994 under the mentorship of Chef Daryl Evans at Atlanta’s Four Seasons Hotel, where he honed his craft and developed a transformative approach to food. From there, Nutter took on prestigious roles at the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach, Florida, and as chef de cuisine at Louisville’s Seelbach Hilton Oakroom—one of only 48 AAA Five-Diamond restaurants worldwide. At the Oakroom, Nutter earned acclaim for his complex interpretations of seemingly simple dishes, showcasing his ability to surprise guests with inventive twists on classic flavors.
In 2008, Nutter accepted the position of executive chef at One Flew South in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport—the world’s busiest airport. There, he crafted dishes that blended Southern ingredients with global influences, creating an upscale dining experience that was groundbreaking for an airport setting. His imaginative execution earned One Flew South multiple James Beard Award nominations and solidified his reputation as a culinary innovator. In 2016, Nutter relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where he co-founded Southern National with restaurateur Reggie Washington. The restaurant quickly garnered national attention, earning a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2018 and becoming a celebrated destination for modern Southern cuisine.
☑ 7-Time James Beard Semifinalist
☑ FAB’s 2024 Airport Chef of the Year
☑ Southern Roots, Global Inspirations
☑ Owner & Innovator at Southern National Restaurants
Available May 6, 2025
Cutting Up in the Kitchen
Chef Duane Nutter is thrilled to announce the release of his debut cookbook, Cutting Up in the Kitchen: Food and Fun from Southern National’s Chef Duane Nutter.
Expanding His Legacy: Author and Culinary Visionary
Beyond his work in the kitchen, Chef Duane Nutter has expanded his creative reach as an author. His cookbook, Cutting Up in the Kitchen: Food and Fun from Southern National’s Chef Duane Nutter, reflects his signature style—combining sophisticated yet approachable recipes with humor and wit.
The book is organized like a comedy act, featuring chapters such as "The Set Up" (cocktails), "Openers" (appetizers), "Headliners" (main courses), and "Encore" (desserts). Recipes range from Spiced Rum Iced Coffee to Lamb Burger Helper, showcasing Nutter’s ability to balance bold flavors with playful creativity. The cookbook invites readers into Nutter’s world of food as entertainment, offering insights into his philosophy of blending Southern hospitality with global inspirations.
As an author, Nutter continues to share his culinary expertise while engaging audiences with his irreverent humor—a hallmark of his personality both inside and outside the kitchen. His cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it’s an extension of his artistry and a celebration of the cultural heritage that defines his cooking
The Mad Chef: Awards, Humor, and Future Endeavors
Chef Duane Nutter’s accolades speak to his impact on the culinary world. A seven-time James Beard Award semifinalist and FAB’s 2024 Airport Chef of the Year, Nutter has been recognized for his ability to elevate Southern cuisine while embracing global influences. His work has been featured in renowned publications such as Garden & Gun, Condé Nast Traveler, Delta Sky Magazine, and Men’s Journal. These honors reflect not only his technical skill but also his innovative approach to creating dishes that are bold, flavorful, and elegantly presented.
Outside of the kitchen, Nutter has a knack for comedy—a hobby that earned him a semi-finalist spot on Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots. Known around Atlanta as “The Mad Chef,” he occasionally performs at comedy clubs but spends most of his time mastering his craft in the kitchen. His humor continues to influence his culinary artistry, bringing a touch of wit to every dish he creates.
Looking ahead, Chef Nutter is expanding the Southern National brand with new ventures in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Whether through inventive dishes or engaging storytelling in his cookbook, Chef Duane Nutter remains committed to redefining modern Southern cuisine while celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
Southern National
Private Dining with Duane
Elevate your special events and private gatherings with an unforgettable dining experience at Southern National. Under the expert guidance of award-winning Chef Duane Nutter, our private dining program offers a tailored culinary experience featuring customizable menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients and paired with expertly curated cocktails. Whether you're hosting an intimate celebration or a larger event, our sophisticated and inviting atmosphere ensures every detail is perfect.
Discover how Southern National redefines private dining by combining Southern hospitality, global influences, and Chef Nutter's innovative flair.
Contact and connect with chef Duane nutter.
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LOCATION
72 Georgia Ave Ste 100
Atlanta, Ga 30312
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HOURS
MON: CLOSED
TUES-SAT: 5pm-10pm
SUNDAY: 11am-3pm
