05/27/2026
San Diego, CA – May 27, 2026 – Bully's East has announced the appointment of Chef Chris Bates as Executive Chef, ushering in a new era for the iconic San Diego restaurant as it celebrates 55 years in business.
Chef Bates brings more than 30 years of culinary leadership experience in San Diego, having held executive roles at Bird Rock Café, World Famous, Dockside 1953 (Bahia Resort), and working with Chef Jackson at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Known for elevating established concepts while maintaining their identity, Bates has built a reputation for menu innovation, kitchen leadership, and hospitality-driven dining experiences.
In his new role, Chef Bates will oversee Bully’s East culinary strategy, including menu refinement, seasonal offerings, kitchen development, and presentation standards. Planned updates over the coming months include fresh seafood additions, lighter seasonal dishes, expanded vegetarian and vegan options, and elevated takes on classic Bully’s favorites.
“What attracted me to Bully’s East was the history and the opportunity,” said Bates. “This restaurant already means something to San Diego. My goal is to preserve what longtime guests love while evolving the menu in a way that welcomes a broader audience.”
“When you deep dive into why Chris is here, it comes down to the fact that Bully’s East has something special and established,” said Derek Dahlen, owner of Bully’s East. “We’ve always been a destination restaurant built on nostalgia, history, and community. Chris has the ability to bridge that legacy with a modern culinary experience while bringing a completely new energy to the kitchen.”
The appointment comes during a milestone year for Bully’s East, one of San Diego’s longest-standing restaurant destinations known for its prime rib, community outreach, and neighborhood atmosphere.
ABOUT BULLY’S EAST
Founded in 1971, Bully’s East has served generations of San Diegans for more than five decades. Located near the historic site of San Diego Stadium and today’s Snapdragon Stadium,
the restaurant remains a local favorite known for its hospitality, tradition, and classic steakhouse experience.