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Over 6,400 attendees crowded into the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 20 and 21 for the 2025 Texas Restaurant Show, where they enjoyed 450 exhibitors, including several from Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica.
“The Texas Restaurant Show brings together the people, products and ideas that move our industry forward,” Tony Abruscato, chief marketing officer at the Texas Restaurant Association, said. “From emerging brands to global suppliers, everyone comes here to connect, learn and do business.”
On Sunday evening, the Texas Restaurant Show hosted its annual Texas Restaurant Awards & Lone Star Bash, celebrating restaurants and culinary leaders from across the state. Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock, now acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, received the Restaurant Industry Champion Award for his work supporting alcohol to-go, third-party delivery protections, credit card swipe fee transparency and other policies that strengthen the state's foodservice industry.
“The Texas Restaurant Awards honor the visionaries who bring communities together to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments and work together to rebuild after disaster strikes,” Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said. “From birthdays and anniversaries to providing a hot meal to first responders, restaurants are at the center of our lives, and these honorees represent the best of what Texas has to offer. Their creativity, grit and leadership push our industry forward and strengthen our state’s growing economy.”
The 2025 award winners are:
Hall of Honor Inductees, bestowed on industry leaders selected by their peers with at least 15 years of TRA service who exemplify superior business ethics
George Christie, Christie's Seafood & Steaks, Houston, TX
Cathy Painter Cace, Cace’s Kitchen/Johnny Cace’s, Longview, TX
Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year
Allison & Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Hospitality Group, San Antonio, TX
Community Impact Award
Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs, Portsmouth, VA
Excellence in Journalism Award
Alicia Kelso, Nation’s Restaurant News
Rising Star Award
Deborah Williamson, James Provisions, Hurst, TX
Deep in the Heart Award
Scott Moore, Greg Moore and Michelle Holland, Tejas Chocolate & Barbeque, Tomball, TX
Chef Tim Kelly Award for Educator Excellence
Chef Carlos Ramos, Milby High School, Houston Independent School District
Outstanding Partner of the Year
Ben E. Keith Foods, Fort Worth, TX
Restaurant Industry Champion Award
Kelly Hancock, former Texas state senator and acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Carmelo Mauro Spirit of Generosity Award
Andy Merrett, Raising Cane’s, Director of Restaurant Recruiting
Skeeter Miller Excellence in Advocacy Award
Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, San Antonio, TX
In addition to honoring industry changemakers, the Texas Restaurant Awards & Lone Star Bash raised money to support the initiatives of the Texas Restaurant Foundation—a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to building and strengthening the future of the restaurant industry. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the rebuilding efforts across the Central and West Texas communities that were hit by devastating floods over Independence Day weekend.