National Dadgum That's Good Day - March 1, 2027

National Dadgum That's Good Day falls on March 1 as a warm and joyful invitation to gather loved ones around the table for hearty, home-cooked meals that spark laughter, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories. This heartfelt celebration, born from the Southern expression "Dadgum, that's good," captures the pure delight of tasting something truly delicious while surrounded by family, where good food becomes the perfect backdrop for storytelling, teasing, and shared happiness.

National Dadgum That's Good Day History

The timeless act of preparing and sharing meals with family has sustained human connection across centuries, offering nourishment for both body and spirit while creating opportunities for conversation, laughter, and the passing down of cherished recipes. In countless cultures, the dinner table has served as a sacred space where generations bond, stories unfold, and relationships deepen, turning everyday eating into meaningful ritual that builds resilience and belonging.

The McLemore family’s passion for cooking and outdoor grilling took root in Columbus, Georgia, when John McLemore’s father, Dawson McLemore, founded Masterbuilt in 1973 alongside his son. What began as a modest enterprise focused on producing high-quality fryers, smokers, grills, and related equipment grew into a trusted name in home cooking, delivering innovative tools and inspiring countless families to experiment with bold flavors and techniques. The company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and flavorful results laid the foundation for a broader cultural movement around home-cooked meals prepared with pride and shared with loved ones.

John McLemore channeled his lifelong enthusiasm for food into a series of best-selling cookbooks titled "Dadgum, That's Good," sharing more than 125 thoroughly tested recipes for smoking, grilling, frying, boiling, and steaming, including 16 signature creations designed specifically for Masterbuilt products. These books weave together personal anecdotes, family stories, and practical cooking wisdom, reflecting McLemore’s deep belief that great meals bring people closer and create moments of genuine joy. He further extended his influence through a television cooking show, demonstrating accessible techniques and encouraging viewers to embrace the satisfaction of preparing "dadgum good" food at home.

National Dadgum That's Good Day began in 2015 through the initiative of Masterbuilt Manufacturing LLC, the family-owned company led by the McLemores, as a way to celebrate the unifying power of delicious home cooking and the simple phrase that expresses pure satisfaction. The observance quickly gained traction, with the hashtag #NationalDadgumThatsGoodDay appearing in 2016 and growing as families shared photos, recipes, and stories of their own gatherings centered on flavorful meals.

The day continues to evolve as a reminder that amid life's uncertainties, intentional time spent cooking and eating together can bring light and warmth, strengthening family ties and preserving traditions. Masterbuilt promotes this spirit by encouraging the use of their equipment for memorable dishes, reinforcing that good food prepared with care becomes a vehicle for love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Why National Dadgum That's Good Day Matters

Establishing Meaningful Traditions

Families thrive when they have consistent rituals that mark time and create shared identity. National Dadgum That's Good Day offers a perfect opportunity to start or reinforce traditions centered on food and togetherness, such as designating March 1 for a special family cookout, trying a new McLemore recipe annually, or gathering to prepare a multi-generational meal. These customs provide continuity, offer comfort during change, and pass down values of love, hospitality, and appreciation for good food, ensuring that future generations carry forward the warmth and joy of coming together around the table.

Encouraging Culinary Exploration and Creativity

Many home cooks fall into repetitive patterns, preparing the same familiar dishes week after week. The observance inspires people to step outside their comfort zones by trying new recipes, techniques, or flavor combinations, whether smoking a brisket for the first time, experimenting with marinades, or incorporating seasonal ingredients into classic favorites. This creative process broadens horizons, boosts confidence in the kitchen, and brings fresh excitement to mealtimes, turning routine cooking into an enjoyable adventure that keeps family dining vibrant and engaging.

Strengthening Family Connections

In an era when schedules often pull people in different directions, this day serves as a gentle but powerful prompt to prioritize shared meals that draw family members back together. Sitting down to enjoy food prepared with intention fosters conversation, laughter, mutual support, and a sense of belonging that strengthens relationships and creates emotional anchors during busy or difficult times. These moments remind everyone that simple acts of cooking and eating side by side build deeper bonds and provide comfort that lasts far beyond the meal itself.

How to Celebrate National Dadgum That's Good Day

Express Enthusiasm with the Signature Phrase

Throughout the day, make a playful point of exclaiming "Dadgum, that's good!" after every delicious bite, sip, or taste test, spreading smiles and lighthearted energy among family and friends. Capture these moments with photos or short videos to share on social media using the hashtags #NationalDadgumThatsGoodDay and #DadgumThatsGoodDay, inspiring others to join the celebration and spread the message that great food and genuine appreciation make life richer.

Enjoy Cooking as a Group

Transform the kitchen into a lively gathering space by inviting family members to join in preparing a meal together, assigning tasks such as seasoning meats, chopping ingredients, tending the smoker or grill, or setting the table. Choose dishes that encourage teamwork and creativity, perhaps combining a new recipe with treasured family favorites, while chatting, laughing, and building memories. The shared effort enhances appreciation for the food and each other, turning preparation into as much fun as eating and reinforcing the joy of collective cooking.

Explore Unique Southern Flavors

Visit the Masterbuilt website or pick up one of John McLemore's popular cookbooks to select a mouthwatering recipe that suits your equipment and taste preferences, whether a classic smoked brisket, crispy fried chicken, flavorful grilled vegetables, or decadent dessert. Follow the step-by-step instructions with care, perhaps incorporating personal twists or family favorites, then savor the results with loved ones. The experience captures the essence of the day by delivering "dadgum good" food prepared with enthusiasm and shared with those who matter most.

Facts About Dadgum That's Good

Family Business Founding

Masterbuilt Manufacturing was established in 1973 in Columbus, Georgia, by Dawson McLemore and his son John, beginning as a producer of fryers, smokers, and grills.

Cookbook Series Success

John McLemore's "Dadgum, That's Good" cookbook series features over 125 tested recipes, including 16 signature creations tailored for Masterbuilt equipment.

Television Presence

McLemore hosts a cooking show that demonstrates practical techniques for smoking, grilling, frying, boiling, and steaming, inspiring home cooks nationwide.

Phrase Origin

"Dadgum, that's good" is a Southern expression of delight that became the mantra and title for McLemore's books, show, and the national day.

Annual Observance Start

The holiday was created in 2015 by Masterbuilt to celebrate family meals and good food, with social media hashtags gaining popularity from 2016 onward.

National Dadgum That's Good Day Dates