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National Dadgum That’s Good Day

Savoring a culinary masterpiece that elicits spontaneous expressions of pure joy, a symphony of delectable flavors.

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Celebrate family cooking traditions and outdoor entertaining by promoting grills, cookware, recipes, and culinary experiences tied to the McLemore legacy and the joy of shared meals.

Relevance 62high intent

Share your 'Dadgum That's Good' moment: user-generated content campaign featuring family cooking wins with #NationalDadgumThatsGoodDay
McLemore Recipe Challenge: promote John McLemore's cookbook series and cooking equipment with step-by-step recipe content
Family Cook-Off Contest: encourage followers to host competitions and share results, driving engagement and brand loyalty
Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling: highlight family culinary traditions and kitchen memories to build emotional connection with audiences

History

The roots of National Dadgum That’s Good Day stretch back to 2015. But its spirit is much older, woven into one inspiring family’s culinary traditions.

The brainchild of John McLemore and his father, Dawson McLemore, this day was born out of a love for cooking and family.

The McLemores, from Columbus, Georgia, were not just any family. They are the heart and soul behind Masterbuilt Manufacturing. This company manufactures high-quality cooking equipment, has graced countless homes, and has given families the means to create delicious meals.

The McLemore family’s journey in the culinary world began in 1973, marking the inception of Masterbuilt. Their passion for cooking was not just about the food but the stories, the bonding, and the traditions passed down through generations.

National Dadgum That’s Good Day reflects these ethics. It is a day to remind us of the importance of gathering around the table, sharing a meal, and creating memories.

How to celebrate

Master the McLemore Recipe

What better way to celebrate than trying a recipe from John McLemore’s best-selling cookbook series? Whether it’s a smoky barbecue or a savory fry-up, pick a recipe and make it your own. Don’t forget to heartily exclaim, “Dadgum, that’s good!” with every successful taste test. Remember — you don’t need to use your indoor voice; you can shout it.

Host a Family Cook-Off

Gather your family and host a National Dadgum That’s Good Day cooking competition. Each member can prepare a dish, and everyone gets to vote on the “Dadgum Best Dish.” The key ingredient? A dash of fun and a sprinkle of laughter. Be sure to have a funny prize on hand to award the winner.

Storytelling Feast

As you enjoy your meal, share stories from the past. Let every family member tell all about their favorite family recipe or a funny kitchen mishap. National Dadgum That’s Good Day is all about building bonds and the joy of being together.

Cooking Class Day

If you’re feeling adventurous, enroll in a cooking class with your family or friends. Learn a new cuisine or cooking technique, and bring that knowledge back to your kitchen.

Social Media Shoutout

Share your celebration on social media with the hashtag #NationalDadgumThatsGoodDay. Post pictures of your culinary creations, your family feast, or even a video of that moment when everyone says, “Dadgum, that’s good!”

Host a Potluck with a Twist

Invite friends and family over for a National Dadgum That’s Good Day potluck. Each should bring a dish that has a remarkable story or memory attached to it. As you enjoy the friendly feast, each person can share the tale behind their dish, turning the gathering into a tapestry of culinary stories and delicious flavors. For a funny twist, you can tell each person to have a tall tale ready to tell — the more outrageous, the better.

Recreate a Family Heirloom Recipe

Dive into your family’s recipe book or call a relative to ask for that legendary recipe everyone talks about. Spend the day recreating this dish, honoring your family’s culinary heritage. It’s a great way to connect with your roots and pass on a piece of family history.

Organize a Neighborhood Food Exchange

Coordinate with your neighbors to have a food exchange. Each household prepares a signature dish and exchanges it with others in the neighborhood. This activity spreads the joy of good food and strengthens community bonds.

Dadgum Good Dessert Challenge

Focus on the sweeter things in life by hosting a dessert-making challenge. Participants can create their most extravagant or beloved desserts. The goal is to hear the “Dadgum, that’s good!” exclamation when everyone tastes each other’s creations.

Culinary Scavenger Hunt

Hold a National Dadgum That’s Good Day scavenger hunt. The participants will search for ingredients or dishes from local eateries or markets that fit specific fun and quirky criteria (e.g., an ingredient you’ve never used before, a dish that starts with the letter ‘D’). End the day by preparing a meal or sharing the collected dishes, celebrating the joy of discovery and good food.

FAQ

How do shared family meals affect children’s well‑being over time?

Research has found that children and teens who regularly eat meals with their families tend to have better emotional health, stronger parent–child communication, and lower rates of risky behaviors such as substance use. Studies also associate frequent family meals with healthier eating patterns, including higher intake of fruits and vegetables and lower consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, even after accounting for factors like socioeconomic status.

Is there evidence that cooking and eating with others strengthens relationships?

Studies in social psychology and public health suggest that preparing and sharing food together can build social cohesion, trust, and a sense of belonging. Collaborative cooking encourages cooperation, conversation, and mutual support, while shared meals provide structured time for people to check in with one another, resolve minor conflicts, and reinforce group identity, whether in families, workplaces, or communities.

Why do so many cultures use the dinner table as a place for storytelling?

Anthropologists and historians point out that mealtime storytelling serves several functions at once: it entertains, teaches social norms, preserves family and community history, and helps younger generations understand where they come from. Because people are already gathered and focused on a shared activity, the dinner table becomes a natural setting for passing on memories, values, and practical knowledge through stories.

How do family recipes contribute to cultural and personal identity?

Family recipes often act as tangible links to ancestors, migration histories, and regional traditions. Food scholars note that preparing and serving inherited dishes can reinforce a sense of “who we are,” especially for families living far from their place of origin. The smells, flavors, and techniques associated with specific recipes become part of a family’s shared identity and can be especially important for diasporic or multicultural households.

Do home‑cooked meals actually differ nutritionally from restaurant or take‑out food?

On average, nutrition research shows that home‑prepared meals tend to be lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, and higher in dietary fiber compared with meals eaten away from home. People who frequently cook at home also tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, the nutritional quality still depends on ingredients and cooking methods, so deep‑fried or heavily processed home dishes may not offer the same benefits.

Can shared meals help reduce stress for adults?

Several studies link regular shared meals with lower perceived stress and better overall life satisfaction for adults. Eating with others can provide social support, predictable routines, and a break from work or digital distractions. Even short, consistent mealtime rituals, such as a nightly family dinner or a weekly gathering with friends, are associated with improved mood and a stronger sense of connection.

How do communal meals differ across cultures, and what do they have in common?

Around the world, cultures vary in what is served, who eats first, and how formally the meal is structured, but researchers in food studies note recurring themes: special dishes reserved for guests, rituals of sharing or dividing food, and expectations of hospitality. Whether it is a Southern U.S. barbecue, a Middle Eastern mezze spread, or an East Asian family hot pot, communal meals usually function as social glue, marking important events and reaffirming bonds between participants.