About me
Daniel Eddy, the owner and operator of WINNER, has built a remarkable career rooted in his
diverse culinary upbringing and passion for community-focused dining. Born in New York City
and raised in Nicaragua and East Harlem, Eddy's early experiences with traditional Nicaraguan
cuisine and a macrobiotic diet shaped his deep appreciation for the importance of food in family
and community life. This foundation led him to pursue a culinary career, which began in 2004 in
New York City and soon took him to Paris. Eddy's three and a half years were transformative,
further honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the culinary arts.
Upon returning to New York City in 2015, Eddy opened Rebelle, a restaurant that quickly gained
critical acclaim, earning a Michelin star within its first year. This achievement solidified Eddy's
reputation as a prominent figure in the culinary world. He then expanded his horizons by
opening Walnut Street Cafe in Philadelphia, which received a Three Bell review from the
Philadelphia Enquirer and was listed among the "Top 25 Restaurants in Philadelphia" for 2017.
These successes underscored Eddy's ability to create dining experiences that resonate deeply
with both critics and patrons.
Eddy's commitment to community and innovative dining led to the creation of WINNER in March
2020, a bakery, restaurant, and bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Despite opening just days before
the global pandemic, WINNER quickly became a local favorite, earning praise from The New
Yorker, The New York Times, and Bon Appétit. Eddy expanded the WINNER brand with the
opening of Runner Up, a wine bar that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022, and WINNER
in the Park, a concession stand in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance. In January 2023,
Eddy launched WINNER on 5th, the brand's first butcher and retail shop, further establishing
WINNER as a cornerstone of the Brooklyn culinary scene.
