Bradford Brennan, Co-Proprietor
The hospitality industry is Bradford Brennan’s birthright, growing up not with a silver spoon in his mouth, but rather a wooden spoon in his hand in one of the nation’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Bradford grew up in the nationally acclaimed Commander’s Palace, owned and passionately run by his Aunt, New Orleans restaurant grand dame Ella Brennan. There, he tackled kitchen assignments, greeted guests, and learned the restaurant ropes by observing and participating in every role. Ella’s powerful charm, no-nonsense perspective, and sharp mentoring skills offered unique insight, as did Bradford’s interactions with the celebrated chefs to whom his mother gave their starts — Emeril Lagasse, the late Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail, and Carlos Guia among others.
While traveling along the same culinary road as family members before him, Bradford took a several-year detour, training in Chicago at Shaw’s Crab House and The Eccentric Restaurant. He worked at the Kuleto’s Restaurant in San Francisco in the kitchen. While Bradford was sharpening his skills in San Francisco, his family added several restaurants to its stellar restaurant dynasty. He helped open the Palace Café with his cousin Ti and cousin Dickie on Canal Street in 1991.
Bradford has since had his hands in many pots. Alongside his Commander’s Palace Family of Restaurant co-owners, cousin, Alex Brennan-Martin, cousin Ti Adelaide Martin and cousin Lally Brennan. Brennan's warmth and hospitality have been extended to several ventures over the years, including Cafe Adelaide & the Swizzle Stick Bar in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace Destin in Destin’s Crystal Beach, and SoBou in The W Hotel in New Orleans (which was named Best New Restaurant by Esquire Magazine in 2012). The Family partnered with Darryl Reginelli to open a Reginelli’s Pizza in Baton Rouge, La and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey in New Orleans, La.
Bradford left Palace Cafe in 1995 to go back to Commander’s Palace to continue his growth for the next restaurant opportunity. Bradford become a Sommelier in 1997.
In 1998 when Las Vegas expressed they wanted a Commander’s Palace, Alex and Brad were able to get a deal for a Commander’s in Planet Hollywood Casino right on Las Vegas Blvd. Brad moved his family to Las Vegas in 1999 where home would be for the next 22 years.
Commander’s Palace Las Vegas opened in 2001. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it in the top 100 restaurants in the world, winning awards from James Beard, Ivy and Santé. Commander’s was named Best Restaurant by local publications, The Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun. In addition, listed regularly by Zagat among Las Vegas “best” and “most popular” dining spots.
Bradford never stopped seeing an opportunity to help his cousin Alex in Houston at Brennan’s Restaurant. In 2022, He moved to Houston to jump in and help his cousin Alex with a new bar renovation. This was right up Bradford’s alley. In 2025, Alex’s dream was complete. The Courtyard Bar was a reality.
Among his extensive industry and community activities, Bradford was a member of the Nevada Restaurant Association, which he Chaired of the Government Affairs for 10 years. Bradford also served as The President of The NvRA in his last year. Now Brad is emeritus. He is currently serving with the Texas Restaurant Association.
In 2008, Bradford and his family were inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame, making them one of only three families to ever win this prestigious leadership award. Ranking as his most prized accomplishment, Bradford is the proud father of two lovely daughters and one son who shares his passion for great memories created around great meals.
Born into a family that cherishes preparing food and sharing it, Bradford embraces cooking and cocktails as a labor-of-love that begins and ends with people creating lasting memories for Brennan’s patrons.