A Legacy of Flight and Flavor
Whitten’s Heritage & Culinary Journey at Gate 12
Cody Whitten’s journey from aviation to the culinary world is an inspiring story rooted in his commitment to heritage, family, and community engagement. Growing up in a family devoted to aviation—his father ran an agricultural aviation business and all three Whitten brothers, Brett, Cody, and Beau, became pilots—Cody developed a strong appreciation for flying. However, his lifelong passion for food led him to open J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ in 2001. The success of that restaurant set the stage for his next venture, allowing him to blend his interests in culinary, history, and aviation.
Located in the historic General Aviation Terminal at Easterwood Airport, Gate 12 Bar & Grill offers visitors a unique dining experience with views of planes taking off and landing against beautiful Texas skies. Established in 1940 and named after Jesse L. Easterwood—a Texas A&M student and World War I aviator who lost his life in service—the terminal has its own rich history. The name “Gate 12” is a nod to that legacy, as it uses an acronym from “General Aviation Terminal at Easterwood.”
Cody, who flew out of the terminal many times, felt a personal connection to this place. As he puts it, “When I learned about the abandoned gate and that various entities within the Texas A&M University system, including the Chancellor, were interested in having a restaurant here, it felt like the perfect opportunity to honor and breathe new life into the airport’s legacy. This airport has a story worth telling, and we wanted Gate 12 Bar & Grill to be a place where that history and the spirit of aviation live on in Aggieland.”
The menu at Gate 12 features specially crafted dishes, many of which highlight local ingredients and reflect the farm-to-table concept. Signature items like the “Gate 12 Burger” and “Cody Corn,” which he carried over from his barbecue restaurant, continue to delight both new and returning customers. Cody combines his barbecue favorites with elevated dishes like the Bacon-Wrapped Filet, alongside aviation-themed cocktails such as the “Aggie Airdrop” and “The Runway.” He also collaborates with and supports area suppliers, such as Field to Family, a local fifth-generation farming and ranching family.
One standout feature of Gate 12 is the decor, where Cody has infused his pride and passion for aviation throughout the space. Notably, a propeller from the Enola Gay, the World War II aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb in 1945, hangs prominently above the bar. Cody restored this propeller in his brother Brett’s hangar in Snook, where Brett operates his crop duster business. The restaurant also features a runway-painted floor and the original phone booth, all of which further reflect Cody’s commitment to creating an authentic aviation experience for his guests.
Inside Gate 12, guests can explore memorabilia that tells stories of aviation and wartime history. The walls are adorned with photographs from WWII and the Vietnam War, as well as artifacts honoring Lieutenant Jesse Easterwood. Additionally, a mural of special significance to the Whitten family enhances the atmosphere, contributing to a sense of history, community, and family pride.
Reflecting on Cody Whitten’s journey from aviation roots to successful restaurateur, it’s clear that his dual passions have created a unique dining destination. Gate 12 is not just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to the legacy of flight and flavor, where Texas heritage is preserved, and the community gathers to enjoy its stories. As Cody continues to honor his heritage through his culinary artistry, he invites guests to experience this remarkable tribute to aviation and family—a true gem in the heart of Texas.
Note: The content of this article was influenced in part from “First-Class Fare: Cody Whitten’s second restaurant, Gate 12 Bar & Grill, takes off at Easterwood Airport,” published by Insite: Brazos Valley Magazine, May 2021.
