Lally Brennan

Lally Brennan is one of eight third--generation Brennans actively involved in the restaurant industry. Along with her cousin, Ti Adelaide Martin, Lally is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of Commander's Palace, their renowned restaurant in the New Orleans' Garden District. Commander's Palace is the flagship of the Brennan's Family of Restaurants, which includes Mr. B's, Brennan's of Houston, and Commander's Palace Las Vegas. Lally plays an active role in the continuing evolution of all of these restaurants.

After attending Southern Methodist University and pursuing a career in retail, Lally returned to her native New Orleans and quickly found herself drawn into the family's restaurant business. In 1979, Lally was part of the Mr. B's team when the restaurant opened in the French Quarter. Armed with the knowledge and experience she gained opening and operating Mr. B's, she joined Commander's Palace in 1982 as Managing Partner.

Under Lally's direction, Commander's Palace has been honored to be the recipient of numerous awards. Among the prestigious awards bestowed on Commander's Palace during Lally's tenure were the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Outstanding Restaurant Award, Lifetime Service Award, and Who's Who of Food and Beverage Award; Restaurants & Institutions Magazine Lifetime Ivy Award; Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame; and the Zagat Most Popular Restaurant Award for the 13th straight year in a row!

Aside from the restaurant, Lally has dedicated a great deal of her time to civic and charitable work, including the Audubon Institute, Longue Vue House & Gardens, the Contemporary Arts Center, the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Junior League Sustainer, and the Herman Grima Foundation. She played a key role in founding of the New Orleans Chapter of Les Dames des Escoffier and also is a Board Member for the Prevent Child Abuse Campaign.

Lally is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, James Beard Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and Women's Chefs and Restaurateurs.