ABOUT CHEF JACK GILMORE

A Rio Grande native, Chef Jack Gilmore sees everything that comes out of his kitchen as a reflection of his Texas spirit. He learned how to cook by traveling across Texas, Louisiana and Arizona; learning the distinct cuisines each territory boasted and finding innovative ways to bring these flavors together in harmony. 

In 1989, Gilmore helped open the successful restaurant chain Z’Tejas, where he perfected and explored his niche in southern comfort food with a southwestern twist. In 2009, after 20 years of work in the chain’s kitchen, he decided he was ready for a kitchen of his own and opened Jack Allen’s in Austin. His menu features classic southern comfort food sprinkled with southwestern kicks, and is now enjoyed by guests at three different locations in the greater Austin Area. 

But Gilmore’s creative cuisine isn’t his only claim to Austin fame. The chef is also well known throughout the metroplex for his philanthropic efforts benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and the Share Our Strength charity, both organizations aiding in hunger-relief missions. His good works and delicious cooking earned him the title of Best Community Asset Chef from the Austin Chronicle in 2008. 

Gilmore continues to run his restaurants and serve Texas passion to hungry guests all over. He resides in Lake Travis with his wife, and the two have two grown sons, one of which, Bryce, followed in his father’s footsteps as a dedicated chef.

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ABOUT CHEF BRYCE GILMORE

The son of Chef Jack Gilmore, Bryce Gilmore is the owner and executive chef of Barley Swine, Odd Duck and Sour Duck Market in Austin. His childhood interest in cooking was fostered by his father, and he learned from a young age what an impact delicious food could have. 

Bryce has been working in restaurants the majority of his life; his first paychecks earned by bussing tables, serving and working his way up to manager positions at restaurants in states such as Texas, California and Colorado. While in California, he attended California Culinary Academy and furthered his foundational knowledge of cooking. His travels did not stop after graduation, however, and he went on to work in famed institutions such as Café 909 in Austin, Nancy Oakes’ Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco and the Aspen establishment now known as Element 47, to name a few. 

After years of cooking and hospitality experience, the young chef opened Odd Duck, his first official establishment and food truck, in late 2009 in his hometown of Austin. He made fresh, local ingredients a priority, and was soon receiving local and national recognition for his truck’s innovative cuisine. 

Bryce now owns three eateries, including Odd Duck, his first brick and mortar Barley Swine and a market and cafe called Sour Duck Market. He has spent his whole career making local farms the cornerstone for his business, and won’t settle for any ingredients that aren't of the utmost quality. Because of his dedication to helping small farms, his menu tends to change based on what produce, meat and grains are available on any given day. 

When Bryce isn’t manning his three businesses, he enjoys spending time with his wife Molly and their children, Field and River, at the lake. Whether he’s with family or in one of his commercial kitchens, he is always thinking about what his next culinary expenditure will be.

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ABOUT CANDLELIGHT RANCH

Candlelight Ranch is an Austin-based non-profit that provides families and children from all backgrounds with creative hands-on programs for nature-based activities in the Hill Country. The organization partners with schools, nonprofits and other community groups to build confidence in others by hosting and promoting a wide range of outdoor events, workshops and team-building activities.

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ABOUT GOOD BOURBON FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Good Bourbon for a Good Cause was founded on the belief that good bourbon can change the world. To make this belief a reality, we are committed to supporting efforts related to veteran causes, the conservation of wide open spaces, local community outreach, and providing healthcare for hospitality workers. We partner with valued organizations as a way of ensuring the right relief for those who need it most, when they need it most. To help us change the world, visit goodbourbonforagoodcause.com to learn how you can support us in our mission.