Chef Jamie Daskalis
Hi, I’m Chef Jamie, thanks for stopping by.
Here you’ll find what I’m working on lately: From recipes and spices to behind-the-scenes moments and new projects I’m building.
Tap a link below to explore.
When people ask me what makes diners special, I don't think it's the pancakes or the coffee, it's the connection.
Long before social media connected people, diners did.
A diner was often the heartbeat of a community. And while the look of restaurants may change, I think people are still searching for those same things today. They want good food, yes, but they also want connection, consistency, and they want to be seen.
As the owner and chef behind Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts, Jamie has turned what she learned as a child at her father’s New York restaurant into a thriving restaurant chain known throughout Myrtle Beach as one of the best spots for breakfast. The journey from the lessons learned as a child at her father’s diner has resulted in a bustling chain with several locations and highly rated signature dishes.
For most of my life, my work has happened behind the scenes. In kitchens. On the line. In the quiet early hours of the morning before guests arrive. Speaking in front of a room full of people wasn’t something I ever planned for.
But when the opportunity came to give a keynote speech, I knew it was something I needed to say yes to.
Because sometimes growth happens when you step outside the places that feel most comfortable.
I’m grateful to have been recently featured in CanvasRebel, where I had the opportunity to share more about my journey, not just as a chef and business owner, but as someone who has grown through both the challenges and the successes that come with this industry.
The conversation touched on a lot of the moments that have shaped who I am today.
One of my favorite things about launching a new menu is watching what guests fall in love with.
Sometimes it's exactly what I expect. Other times, a dish quietly sits on the menu for months, or even years, before suddenly finding its audience.
Recently, we revamped our menu at Johnny D's.... .​...A handful of dishes that have been part of our story for quite some time suddenly started taking off.
But while those things may help a guest discover a dish, the food itself is what keeps them coming back.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Nicole Huckabee on the Elevate & Wellness Podcast: Community Connector Spotlight for a conversation about something that has become incredibly important in my life: overall wellness.
But my connection with Nicole actually goes back many years, to one of the earliest and most nerve-wracking moments of my career at Johnny D’s.
A marketing agency called Foodmix reached out to introduce themselves and share that they were working with Smithfield Culinary on a Breakfast Anytime campaign. They asked if I would be interested in traveling to Chicago to help create breakfast-forward dishes designed to work across other day parts, lunch and dinner.
For years, Johnny D’s has been known as a place where mornings shine, waffles stacked high, eggs Benedict perfected, and brunch shared with family and friends. Breakfast has always been at the heart of what we do.
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As our guests’ tastes and lifestyles continue to evolve, we’ve been listening. Many of you have been asking for lighter options, more vegetables, and meals that feel fresh, balanced, and energizing in the middle of the day.
I’m incredibly honored to be featured in Bold Journey Magazine, where I had the chance to share more about my journey as a chef, a daughter, and a business owner carrying forward a legacy that started decades ago.
"Chef Jamie Daskalis enters a room like a whirlwind. It’s a stark contrast to the slow, peaceful pace of the rest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina" - American Trails Magazine
Last month's Champion Autism Network's, Night of Champions Dinner was a truly unforgettable evening. I find myself thinking about it often. I was deeply honored to be recognized for my work and compassion for the autism community.
On the third anniversary of my father Johnny D’s passing, I find myself reflecting on the lasting impact he had not only on me but on everyone who crossed his path. Johnny D was not just a name; he was a force in the hospitality industry, a man whose commitment to his guests and to the art of hospitality set him apart.
I’m incredibly honored to have been featured in South Carolina Voyager, a publication that’s doing meaningful work by shining a light on the stories of entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders across the state.
There’s something about fall that makes comfort food and cozy drinks taste even better. At Johnny D’s, we’re excited to roll out our new seasonal specials alongside some of the brunch dishes and cocktails that guests keep coming back for again and again.