Born and raised in the vibrant culinary landscape of Philadelphia, Chef Chad Rosenthal is a self-taught chef whose journey is fueled by passion, grit, and a deep love for honest, soulful food. He made his name with BBQ and comfort classics, becoming a respected restaurateur with his flagship concept The Lucky Well, and later, The Lucky Well Incubator — a shared kitchen and mentorship space for emerging culinary talent.

Today, Chad is focused on intimate, experience-driven dining. His latest project, Mary – a 39-seat, candlelit BYOB in downtown Ambler – has quickly become a local favorite, recently named one of the "Top 15 Best Steaks in Philadelphia" by Craig Laban of The Philadelphia Inquirer. With its vintage charm, minimal-yet-bold menu, and nightly surprises, Mary reflects Chad’s commitment to intentional cooking and meaningful hospitality.

What began as a cheeky, "members-only" Sunday pop-up inside Mary has now evolved into The Chicken Strip Club — a full-force fried chicken and fries concept at Ridge Hall in Ambler. Still carrying the playful spirit of its origins, it’s become one of the most creative and crave-worthy pivots to come out of the post-pandemic dining scene.

A natural on camera, Chad has appeared on Food Network Star (twice), Chopped Grill Masters, Beat Bobby Flay (which he did), Good Morning America, HSN, and much more. Off-camera, he advises food brands, collaborates with fellow chefs, and pops up at festivals across the country—always with his signature approachable, no-BS culinary style.

Beyond the kitchen, Chad remains committed to giving back. He’s partnered with organizations like Philabundance and Project HOME, and once served thousands of U.S. sailors in Guantanamo Bay. For him, food is more than a craft - it’s a way to build community, share stories, and make a lasting impact, one plate at a time.