John “Chappy” Chapman was born in Mobile, Alabama where his father was the british consul. Later after his fathers death, John and his family moved to New Orleans where he graduated from Loyola University of New Orleans with a degree in business.

Learning his cooking techniques from his mother, Chappy always dreamed of owning and operating his own family style restaurant. John received his nickname “Chappy” from his wife, Starr, while they were courting. “Chappy” was also his father’s nickname.

The original Chappy’s Seafood Restaurant opened its doors in December of 1984 and remained one of the premier restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina completely demolished Chappy’s restaurant and his home.

In June of 2006, Chappy’s Seafood Restaurant re-opened as:

Chappy’s on Church
in Nashville, TN.

revised: January 2, 2008