Mark your calendars for one of the most exciting culinary events of the year - Sunday, July 12, 2026! The 2026 Texas Restaurant Awards will take place in San Antonio, Texas, during the 2026 Texas Restaurant Show. This annual celebration honors excellence in the Texas restaurant industry, showcasing the talent, innovation, and passion that make Texas a global dining destination.

The event begins with a lively reception of food, drinks, and entertainment. Attendees will enjoy signature dishes crafted by award-winning chefs, specialty cocktails by top mixologists, and the chance to mingle with culinary stars. This is a must-attend event!

Purchase Tickets Now!

Hall of Honor

A long-standing Texas Restaurant Association tradition, outstanding individuals are inducted to the Hall of Honor each year to recognize their significant contribution to the Texas restaurant industry and to the association. This honor is the highest that the Association can bestow. To qualify, nominees must have a minimum of 15 years of TRA membership and exemplify superior business ethics. Criteria include significant time and energy devoted to the benefit of TRA and its members, as well as his or her local chapter. Nominees must also gain proper recognition for the restaurant industry and help to build a positive image.

2025 Hall of Honor Inductees: 

 

 

Past Winners

2024 Hall of Honor Inductees:

2023 Hall of Honor Inductees:

2022

2021

2020

2019

Read the press release on our 2019 Hall of Honor Nominees

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2011

  • Gerard Cace
  • Carmelo Mauro, Houston
  • Tom Kenney, Austin

2010

  • Malcolm DeShields, Corpus Christi
  • Ed Murph, Carrollton
  • Ralph Sheffield, Temple

2009

  • Harvey Kloesel, Moulton
  • Raul Molina, Jr., Houston
  • Betty Zentner, San Angelo

2008

  • Viola Barrios
  • Richie Jackson, Austin
  • Don Pittman

2007

  • Bruce Walcutt
  • Jim Baron, Dallas

2006

  • Richard Galvan, Frisco
  • Francisco "Paco" Vargas, Galveston
  • Gerald Stone, Austin

2005

  • Anthony Duncan, El Paso
  • Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap
  • Peggy Scott, Fort Worth

2004

  • Earl Abel, Jr.,
  • Bob Barnes, Granbury

2003

  • Bill Daniel, Wichita Falls
  • Brad Lomax, Corpus Christi
  • Gene Street, Dallas

2002

  • George W. DeWinne, San Antonio
  • Ernie Stith, Longview

2001

  • Hope Garcia Lancarte, Fort Worth
  • Christopher J. Pappas, Houston

2000

  • Bobby D. Cox, Fort Worth
  • Matt G. Martinez, Jr.,

1999

  • Larry Forehand, Bellaire
  • Chris Semos

1998

  • W. H. “Bill” Cromer
  • Dick Dozier

1997

  • A. J. Leger
  • Hans Nadler, San Antonio
  • Beatrice Trevino, Victoria

1996

  • David Cortez, San Antonio
  • W. O. “Ted” Thedford

1995

  • Norman Brinker, Dallas
  • Larry D. Durrett, Jacksonville
  • Frank L. Smith

1994

  • Michael Colias
    John K. Miller, San Antonio

1993

  • C. “Gus” Katsigris, Dallas
  • Mary Levy, Waco
  • Jack C. Richmond, San Antonio

1992

  • Sonny Bryan
  • Frank Green, Stephenville
  • Robert Hawk, Rockwall
  • Gus Keriotis
  • Robert Levy

1991

  • Herb Blankinship, Midland
  • William Horan, Fort Worth
  • Earl Mayfield, San Antonio
  • Milton Neitsch, Jr., Victoria

1990

  • Frank Cuellar, Sr.
  • Dee Haven, Corpus Christi
  • Bob Lee
  • Miguel Martinez

1989

  • Gertrude Applebaum, Elkins Park
  • Rosemary Garbett, Houston
  • Macky Sellers
  • Albert Totah, Victoria

1988

  • Earl Abel, Sr.
  • H.M. “Bill” Bennett
  • Louis Hochman
  • Guy T. Jones
  • Jim L. Peterson, Mooreseville

1987

  • Fred W. Dollar
  • Carolyn Weldon Goodman
  • B. J. Kirby
  • Balous Miller, San Antonio
  • Method Snapka

1986

  • Bruce Allred
  • Jack Bell
  • W. Leroy Daniel
  • Matt Martinez, Sr.
  • Jack Sosebee
  • Samuel Tschirhart, Sr., Castroville
  • C.A. Sanford, Jr., Fort Worth

1985

  • Harry Akin
  • Guillermo Avila, El Paso
  • Robert R. Horan
  • Bill McCoy
  • A.G. Moncla
  • John E. Sohrweide
  • Andrew F. Stasio

1984

  • Roy Blankenship, DeKalb
  • Pete V. Cortez
  • Charles W. Horan, Jr.
  • Alfred Kahn
  • Lucas N. Postolos
  • Giles D. Spiller

1983

  • John S. Cace, Jr.
  • Mack Eplen
  • Leon Gillespie
  • Charles Goodnight
  • Carlo S. Messina
  • Lynon Owens
  • Victor J. Patrizi

1982

  • G. Jim Hasslocher, San Antonio
  • Charles W. Horan, Sr.
  • I. Tom Katz
  • Charles Langford
  • G. D. “Sonny” Look
  • Harry F. Porter
  • George W. Williams

1981

  • Patrick D. Moreland
  • W. Price, Jr.

1937 Founders

  • Victor Colias
  • Mr. and Mrs. Dave Crowder
  • T. C. Daniel | W. C. Dunton
  • V. A. Harrison
  • J. D. Houston
  • Sim T. Lake
  • R. C. Lawler
  • V. H. Osborn | Earl Smith

Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year Award

Every year, restaurateurs around the state are honored for work in their communities, leadership success, and entrepreneurial spirit. Winners of the Outstanding Restaurateur Award are recognized during Texas Restaurant Awards & Lone Star Bash event. The finalists for this award come from the pool of Outstanding Restaurateur Awards, chosen by their chapter. 


2025 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year Winner:

Allison & Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Hospitality Group (San Antonio)

 

 

Past Winners: 

2025 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

Brazos Valley Chapter - Michael Lair, Stella Southern Cafe
Coastal Bend Chapter - Kelly & Beth Owens, Fins Grill & Icehouse
East Texas Chapter - Darrell Forster & Terry Giles, Dairy Queen of Tyler
 El Paso Chapter - Shane Duncan, Manhattan Heights Tavern & Grill/35 Tavern & Grill/Border City Ale House  
Galveston Chapter - Lauren Desormeaux, Island Famous & The Spot   
Greater Austin Chapter - Ryan Leugers, Maudie's Tex Mex  
Greater Dallas Chapter - Ernie Quilantan, E Bar Tex Mex  
Greater Houston Chapter - Matthew and Thy Mitchell  Traveler's Table  
Lubbock Chapter - Will Harper, Stella's Restaurant  
Montgomery County Chapter - Chris Davis, Truluck's - The Woodlands  
North Texas Chapter - Amanda Case, Pelican's 
Panhandle Chapter - Mickey Foster, Mickey's Place  
Permian Basin Chapter - Trina Moralez, La Margarita Mexican Restaurant  
Rio Grande Valley Chapter - Larry Delgado  The Delgado Collective  
San Angelo Chapter - Donald Kennemer, Packsaddle BBQ 
Southeast Texas Chapter - Alex Hernandez, El Primo  
Tarrant County Chapter - Adrian Burciaga, Don Artemio  
Waco Chapter - Corey McEntyre, Red Herring

2024 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year Winner:

Gloria Reyna, Matt's El Rancho (Austin)

2024 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

Abilene Chapter - Cory & Ryan Marrs, Belle's Chicken Dinner House   
Brazos Valley Chapter - David Girela, Fuego Tortilla Grill   
Coastal Bend Chapter - Kathryn Snapka, Snapka's Drive-In   
East Texas Chapter - Scott Williams, FD's, Javi's, & Twelve   
El Paso Chapter - John Geske & Nick Bauer, Union Draft House   
Galveston Chapter - Jan Collier, Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar   
Greater Austin Chapter - Gloria Reyna, Matt's El Rancho   
Greater Dallas Chapter - Lauran Weiner, Big Al's Smokehouse   
Greater Houston Chapter - Alex Au Yeung, Phat Eatery   
Lubbock Chapter - Joe Keller, Triple J Chophouse   
Montgomery County Chapter - Mario Valadez, Conroe's Incredible Pizza Company   
North Texas Chapter - Craig Martindale, Taco Casa   
Panhandle Chapter - Colby Monroe, Panhandle Restaurant Group   
Permian Basin Chapter - Chris Morales, Gerardo's Casita   
Rio Grande Valley Chapter - Gabriel Fuentes, Nuri Fusion Street Kitchen   
San Angelo Chapter - Kurt Klausner, Sunset Jr.    
San Antonio Chapter - Lisa Wong, Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar   
Southeast Texas Chapter - Jesi Jones & Jami Abbo, Courville's Catering & Meat Co.   
Tarrant Co. Chapter - Jon Bonnell, Bonnell's Restaurant Group   
Waco Chapter - Ted Browning & Kyle Ferguson, Shorty's Pizza Shack 

2023 Winner of the Texas Restaurateur of the Year Award:

Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine (San Antonio)

2023 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

Abilene Chapter - Amanda O'Connor, Cypress Street Station Restaurant
Brazos Valley Chapter - Mary Beckman, Admiral Catering
Coastal Bend Chapter - Glenn Mier, Black Sheep Bistro and The Angry Marlin
East Texas Chapter - Paul Bambrey, Jalapeno Tree
El Paso Chapter - Vanessa Duran, L&J Cafe
Galveston Chapter -  Chef Megan Walker, Galveston Restaurant Group
Greater Austin Chapter - Travis Tober, Nickel City
Greater Dallas Chapter - Hiawatha Williams, Williams Chicken
Greater Houston Chapter - Janice Jucker, Three Brothers Bakery
Lubbock Chapter - Carrie Britton, The Funky Door
Montgomery County Chapter - Jim Hallers, Citizens Grill
North Texas Chapter - Craig Bolles, Texas Roadhouse
Panhandle Chapter - Chef Jessica Higgins, Girasol Bakery and Cafe
Permian Basin Chapter - Amber Davis, Cork & Pig Tavern, Red Oak Kitchen
Rio Grande Valley Chapter - Russell Walker, Pasta Ventures
Sabine Area Chapter - Min Dai, Obana Restaurant Group
San Angelo Chapter - Yolanda Franco, Western Sky Steakhouse
San Antonio Chapter - Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine
Tarrant County Chapter - Marcus Paslay, From Scratch Hospitality
Waco Chapter - Phillip & Yvette Helberg, Helberg Barbecue

2022 Winner of the Texas Restaurateur of the Year Award:

Alli Jarrett, Harold's Restaurant (Houston)

2022 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners: 

Abilene Chapter — Lindsay Flores, Lytle Land & Cattle Company
Brazos Valley Chapter — Clayton Rhoades, Chicken Express
Coastal Bend Chapter — Sam Canavati, Brewsters Street Ice House
El Paso Chapter — Jim Diaz, Pelican's Steak & Seafood
Galveston Chapter — Dennis Byrd, Island Famous
Greater Austin Chapter — Alex Eagle, Freebirds World Burrito
Greater Dallas Chapter — Christopher Aslam, Rock Strategic Restaurant Group
Greater Houston Chapter — Alli Jarrett, Harold's Restaurant
Lubbock Chapter — Jerol Fanta, Orlando's Italian Restaurant
Montgomery County Chapter — Darin McKenzie, McKenzie's Barbecue & Burgers
North Texas Chapter — Bob Bratcher, Daddy Bob's Smokewagon
Panhandle Chapter — Dallas Hager, Joe Taco
Permian Basin Chapter — Michael Ramirez, 10 Sports Bar & Grill
Rio Grande Valley Chapter — Sony Rego, Santa Fe Steakhouse
Sabine Area Chapter — Frankie Randazzo, Madison's Group
San Angelo Chapter — Ronnie Cajas, Street Eats
San Antonio Chapter — Dave Saylor, Acadiana Café
Tarrant County Chapter — Rena Frost, Mac's on Main
Waco Chapter — Massimo Di Campli, Di Campli's Italian Ristorante

2021 Winner of the Texas Restaurateur of the Year Award:

Masroor Fatany, The Halal Guys (Houston)

2021 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

  • Luis and Rita Barragan (Casa Chapala – Austin)
  • May Nardone (Mikel May’s Beachside Bar and Grill – Coastal Bend)
  • Lloyd Nichols (The Diner – East Texas)
  • Mike Dean (Yaga’s Presents – Galveston)
  • Jimmy Contreras (Taco y Vino – Dallas)
  • Bob Bratcher (Daddy Bob’s BBQ – North Texas)
  • Jessica Delgado (Salome – Rio Grande Valley)
  • Rosa Hogeda Torrez (Original Henry’s Diner – San Angelo)
  • Russell Kirkpatrick (Reata – Tarrant County)
  • Chris Berry (River Smith’s – Lubbock)

2019 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

  • Richard Dewitt Jr.
    Clear Springs Restaurant, East Texas Chapter
  • Jerry Maddox
    Fazoli's, Rio Grande Valley Chapter
  • Yolanda Franco
    Western Sky Steakhouse, San Angelo Chapter
  • Chris Berry
    River Smith's, Lubbock Chapter
  • Ed Hudson
    Jason's Deli, Coastal Bend Chapter
  • Tilman Fertitta
    Landry's,Greater Houston Restaurant Association

2018 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

  • Tim Condon
    Lonestar Cheeseburger Company
    Angry Cactus West Texas Bar & Grill
    San Angelo
  • Larry Delgado
    house. wine. & bistro.
    SALT – New American Table
    McAllen - Rio Grande Chapter
  • Andrew Gugar
    Posadas Cafe
    East Texas
  • Kendall Howard
    Howard Restaurant Group
    Lubbock
  • Doris and Paul Miller
    Gr8 Plate Hospitality
    Greater Houston

2017 Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur Winners:

  • Sharon Watkins
    Chez Zee American Bistro | Austin
  • Damian and Trina Mandola
    Mandola’s | Austin
  • Janice Provost
    Parigi | Dallas
  • Aaron Lyons
    Dish Society | Houston
  • Mike Van Syckle
    Atomic Omelette and Grill | Rio Grande Valley
  • Phil Bradley
    Copper Caboose | Lubbock
  • Erik Zobel and Je’na Wall (posthumous)
    Zero One Ale House | San Angelo
  • Brian Kelleher
    575 Pizzeria | Amarillo
  • Arthur Garcia
    Nicha’s Comida Mexicana | San Antonio
  • Veronica Segovia Esparza
    Absolutely Delicious Catering and Blanco BBQ | San Antonio

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes the hard work that goes into opening a restaurant. This person or concept is an up-and-comer with ambitious goals and the grit to achieve them. Open to restaurant owners and chefs with a restaurant business which opened no earlier than January 1, 2024. The deadline to apply/nominate is April 15, 2026.

Nominate for Rising Star

2025: Deborah Williamson, James Provisions, Hurst


Past Winners:

Deep in the Heart Award

Texas is massive and filled with amazing talent. This award is designed to highlight those successful and creative restaurant owners and chefs with concepts not located in one of the big four metro areas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or Austin). The deadline to apply/nominate is April 15, 2026. 

Nominate for Deep in the Heart

2025: Scott Moore, Greg Moore, & Michelle Holland, Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue, Tomball


Past Winners

Community Impact Award

The TRA’s Community Impact Award is awarded to a nominee who is an active member of the TRA who has a demonstrated legacy of uniting and empowering their community. Community may be defined in many different ways to reflect the tremendous diversity within our industry, including race, religion, gender, sexuality, veteran, culture, and more. The deadline to apply/nominate is April 15, 2026.

Nominate for Community Impact

2025: Mercy Chefs


Past Winners:

Chef Tim Kelly Award for Educator Excellence

Texas ProStart instructors who demonstrate leadership and excellence in culinary education are eligible to contend for the annual Educator Excellence Award. Teachers must be advocates of the Texas ProStart program and dedicated to helping students achieve success. The deadline to apply/nominate is April 15, 2026.

Nominate for Chef Tim Kelly Award

2025: Chef Carlos Ramos, Milby High School


Past Winners:

The Carmelo Mauro Spirit of Generosity Award

The Carmelo Mauro Award is an annual recognition, given by the Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF), for outstanding achievement by an individual philanthropist who has demonstrated the highest ethical standards, commitment, dedication and talent towards the future of the restaurant and foodservice industry. The deadline to apply/nominate is April 15, 2026.

Nominate for Carmelo Mauro Spirit of Generosity

2025: Raising Cane's

Prior Recipients of the Carmelo Mauro Award:

  • 2024: Dan & Nancy Garrison, Garrison Brothers Distillery (Hye)
  • 2023: Auto-Chlor & ECOLAB
  • 2022: Patrick Costello, St. Philip's College (San Antonio)
  • 2021: Skeeter Miller, County Line BBQ (Austin)
  • 2019: Roger Kaplan, RK Innovations
  • 2018: Russell Woodward, Texas Beef Council 
  • 2017: Russel Ybarra 
  • 2016: Margaret McKoin, The Time Group 
  • 2016: Carmelo Mauro, Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano 

Excellence in Journalism Award

Also new for this year, the Excellence in Journalism Award recognizes work in media and journalism that goes above and beyond to promote the restaurant and foodservice industry as well as provide insight into how our industry functions and the issues facing operators. We proudly recognize the hard work and dedication of journalists and/or organizations who strive to inform and educate the public while upholding the highest journalistic standards.

2025: Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News


2024: Peter Romeo, Editor-At-Large, Restaurant Business
2023: Pat Sharpe, Executive Editor, Texas Monthly 

Skeeter Miller Excellence in Advocacy Award

The Skeeter Miller Excellence in Advocacy Award was created in 2023 to celebrate a member who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to our advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas’ entire foodservice industry. The annual award is named in honor of its inaugural recipient, Skeeter Miller of The County Line Restaurants. Skeeter exemplifies the qualities that make a trusted advocate and has spent countless hours speaking up for restaurants at the local, state, and federal levels. The TRA is proud to celebrate restaurant leaders who follow Skeeter’s example by investing their time and treasure to advocate on behalf of the industry they love. 

2025: Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine (San Antonio)

2024: Mark Davis Bailey, Original Pancake House (Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth)
2023: Skeeter Miller, County Line BBQ (Austin, San Antonio) 

Outstanding Partner of the Year Award

Restaurants depend on the service and support of their suppliers to be prepared to serve delicious meals and deliver memorable experiences. The Outstanding Partner of the Year recognizes the supplier or service provider to the foodservice industry that has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional service and support to the restaurants of Texas.

2025: Ben E. Keith

2024: Texas Mutual

Innovation in Education Award


New for this year, the Innovation in Education Award serves to recognize individuals, groups or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of culinary and hospitality education. The Award is a celebration of those who have dedicated themselves to improving the education experience for both students and teachers and demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries in order to support the preparation of our workforce.

2025: Bartlett Innovation Unit, Bartlett, TX
2023 Awardee: McAllen ISD, S.T.R.I.D.E.S. Program

Restaurant Industry Champion Award

The TRA is introducing the Restaurant Industry Champion Award this year to celebrate policymakers, organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to protect and strengthen Texas’ restaurant industry. Recipients will be selected on the basis of their service and the exceptional impact they’ve had on the laws, regulations, and business environment that empower restaurants to serve their communities. 

2025: Kelly Hancock, former Texas state senator and acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts 

2023:
Rep. Dustin Burrows, House of Representatives, District 83 
Sen. Brandon Creighton, State Senate, District 4 

Interested in sponsoring the Awards?

Download the deck below, or reach out to Ben!