Edgar “Dook” Chase, IV

Edgar “Dook” Chase, IV, is the Owner/President of Chase Hospitality Group and Chase Concessions, LLC, a partner in Chase North, the premier food and beverage operator and management concessionaire at the Louis Armstrong International Airport, and the proprietor of two of their concepts, Leah’s Kitchen and Dook’s Burgers.  Chase Concessions also operates eleven other concepts at MSY, as well concepts in Boston Logan airport and Nashville International airport.  Meanwhile, Edgar is also continuing the legacy of his Grandmother, Chef Leah Chase, serving as the Executive Chef and operator of his family’s restaurant Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans.  

Edgar has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. After studying Economics and Finance at Dillard University in New Orleans, Chase received his Masters of Business Administration from University of New Orleans, and went on to receive his culinary degree, from Le Condon Bleu Paris, France. In addition to his formal training, he spent many of his years learning the craft from his grandmother, while working in his family’s flagship restaurant, Dooky Chase’s in Treme.  Edgar has developed growing concepts, such as Leah’s Kitchen, Dook’s Place, and Dook’s Burgers as a tribute to his grandmother’s legacy of service and hospitality, featuring dishes inspired by her classic Creole cuisine.  The latest restaurant, Chapter IV, opened with his wife, Gretchen in January 2023, and named for his fourth generation of service, features modern takes on classic creole breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings, in Downtown New Orleans.   

In spring of 2023, Dook made his television debut in the PBS nationally syndicated cooking series, “The Dooky Chase Kitchen: Leah’s Legacy”.  Chef Dook is the featured host of a 26 series cooking show highlighting some of the restaurant’s most iconic recipes, teaching and sharing hospitality with people at home, and all over the country.

Edgar is active in his community and civically involved on a number of non-profit boards and commissions.  Some of Dook’s most recent community recognition/awards include the Culinary Arts Award from the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (2023); University of New Orleans “UNO 25” Honoree (2022); and Dillard University 40 Under 40 (2021). 

Edgar resides in New Orleans with his wife, Gretchen, daughter, Sidney and son, Edgar “Vito” Chase, V.