Meet Our Executive Chef

I’m Rusty Holman, Head Chef at Due South, and I’m delighted to welcome you to our southern escape in the heart of D.C. We’re a casual, lively restaurant that serves the kind of comfort cuisine I grew up with  –  fresh catfish, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits. 

Due South is southern food but elevated. 

From culinary school in San Francisco to running a restaurant in St.Croix, I’ve lived and worked all over the world. But I always came back to my dream of owning a restaurant that celebrated my southern roots. 

Growing up in Arkansas and North Carolina, I developed a passion for southern cuisine – one that was shared by my family. From day one, I was surrounded by southern delicacies: I roamed through pecan groves and peach orchards on my great-grandparents’ farm. And I devoured wonderful treats like my grandma’s homemade angel biscuits. 

If it’s not clear by now, I come from a family of serious food-lovers. As a kid, my friends envied the gourmet lunches my mom prepared, and they couldn’t get enough of her famous pies. I found myself cooking elaborate meals for my friends in college. My roommates would chip in a few bucks, and I’d prepare everything from ribs and squash casserole to steaks and pork tenderloin. I came to realize that I’m at my happiest when I’m bringing people together by providing good food.  Bringing food and people together was my happy place. And still today, I’m most content when I’m cooking Sunday night dinners alongside my sister and our two families, or even when I’m packing lunches for my daughters. 

At Due South, I put the same amount of love and mindfulness into the food I prepare for our guests.

I want the DMV community to have a true southern experience. We capture the heart of D.C with our bottomless brunch and stay true to our roots with mint juleps on tap. The majority of everything is made in-house, and no portion is too small. And, of course, we wouldn’t be a true southern establishment without crazy-good bourbon options! Definitely try the Bear Bryant- it’s an absolute must. In fact, all of our bourbon cocktails are worth a try- just be sure to hit me up if you’re at the bar so I can say hi when you’re in. 

Join us for wings before a Nat’s game or for a celebratory dinner with friends and family. Want to host an event? We’ve got you covered.

This year we celebrate eight years serving our community, and we look forward to continuing to grow with our guests. When you’re here you’re home, and I can’t wait to serve you.