Jose Garces

The Path

A Philadelphia run at Alma de Cuba gave Jose Garces a defining platform, with his work there as Executive Chef beginning in 2001. The national circuit followed: challenger at Iron Chef America from 2008, competitor at The Next Iron Chef from 2009, and competitor at Tournament of Champions Season 4 from 2023. That stretch placed Garces in formats that measure speed, control, and range under pressure. Today, Jose Garces holds the Iron Chef title on Iron Chef America and continues as founder / Chef Owner of Amada, alongside a wider restaurant group that includes Amada, Buena Onda, Hook & Master, Village Whiskey, Tinto, Volvér, The Olde Bar, Livy’s Plant Based Foods, and Rustika Pollo a la Brasa. The work stays anchored in the same line: Spanish technique, Latin American roots, and a modern register.

The Work Today

Jose Garces is an Iron Chef. His cooking continues to draw on Spanish technique and Latin American roots, joining Spanish and Latin American cuisine in a modern style.

Career - Founder / Chef Owner — Amada, Philadelphia (2005–present) - Iron Chef — Iron Chef America (2010–present) - Chef Owner — Amada, Buena Onda, Hook & Master, Village Whiskey, Tinto, Volvér, The Olde Bar, Livy’s Plant Based Foods, and Rustika Pollo a la Brasa, Philadelphia - Executive Chef — Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia (from 2001) - Challenger — Iron Chef America (from 2008) - Competitor — The Next Iron Chef (from 2009) - Competitor — Tournament of Champions Season 4 (from 2023) Education: Kendall College

Acclaim

Jose's honors include James Beard Award, Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (2009).

FAQ What is Jose Garces's current role? As of 2026, Jose Garces is Founder/Chef Owner of Amada. Where did Jose Garces train or study? Jose Garces trained at Kendall College. What recognition has Jose Garces received? James Beard Award, Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (2009).