National Dadgum That’s Good Day

National Dadgum That’s Good Day is observed on March 1. This day celebrates the pleasure of eating well and the social connections formed while sharing a meal with others. The name is inspired by a common Southern American exclamation used when a dish is exceptionally flavorful, serving as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into home-cooked food.

History of National Dadgum That’s Good Day

The holiday was established in 2015 by the McLemore family, owners of Masterbuilt Manufacturing in Columbus, Georgia. John McLemore and his father, Dawson, founded the day to commemorate the heritage of their family business, which began in 1973. While the company is widely known for producing smokers, grills, and fryers, the founders wanted to create an observance that focused less on the equipment and more on the emotional satisfaction that comes from mastering a recipe and feeding loved ones.

The specific phrase “Dadgum, that’s good!” became the signature mantra of John McLemore through his best-selling cookbook series and media appearances. He used the term to describe the reaction people have when tasting perfectly smoked meats or southern comfort food. In April 2015, the National Day Calendar officially registered the observance to be held annually on the first of March, coinciding with the beginning of the spring outdoor cooking season in many parts of the United States.

Why is National Dadgum That’s Good Day important?

This day is significant because it highlights the role of food as a “bridge” between different generations and cultures. In a fast-paced society where meals are often consumed in isolation or on the go, the holiday encourages a return to the dinner table. It emphasizes that the quality of a meal is measured not just by its ingredients, but by the memories created during its preparation and consumption. For many families, this is a dedicated time to preserve oral histories and pass down culinary secrets that might otherwise be lost.

The observance also supports the idea of “culinary confidence.” It provides an excuse for amateur cooks to experiment with new techniques, such as smoking or deep-frying, without the pressure of a major holiday like Thanksgiving. By celebrating the simple joy of a successful dish, the day fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages people to develop skills that promote a healthier, more engaged lifestyle centered around the home kitchen and backyard grill.

• The holiday encourages the preservation of unique family recipes and cooking traditions.
• It promotes the use of home-cooking techniques like smoking, grilling, and frying.
• Awareness of the day helps families reconnect through shared evening meals.
• The observance celebrates the specific regional food culture of the Southern United States.
• It reminds people to verbally express appreciation for the effort put into a meal.

How to Celebrate National Dadgum That’s Good Day

The primary way to celebrate is to prepare a dish that is guaranteed to elicit the “dadgum” response from anyone who tastes it. This often involves low-and-slow cooking methods, such as smoking a brisket or ribs, or creating a hearty comfort food staple like macaroni and cheese or biscuits and gravy. The goal is to focus on flavor profiles that are bold and satisfying. Once the food is ready, the cook should invite neighbors or family members over to share the bounty in a relaxed, informal setting.

Many people use this day to finally try a recipe from a favorite cookbook or to test out a new piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Sharing photos of the finished product on social media with the holiday’s hashtag is a common way to join the national conversation. It is also an excellent time to record a video or write down a “secret” recipe while a grandparent or parent is cooking, ensuring that the techniques used to create their signature dishes are documented for future use.

• Cook a signature family recipe that everyone in your household loves.
• Fire up the grill or smoker to experiment with different wood chips and rubs.
• Host a small “taste-off” where friends bring their best appetizers or side dishes.
• Take the time to write down a recipe that has been passed down orally for years.
• Use the phrase “Dadgum, that’s good!” to compliment the cook at every meal today.

National Dadgum That’s Good Day Dates Table