East Texas Chapter - Texas Restaurant Association

06/01/2026

Texas hospitality shines brightest when we celebrate each other. ⭐

Join industry leaders from across the state at the 2026 Texas Restaurant Awards as we recognize the chefs, operators, innovators, and advocates who continue to elevate Texas hospitality.

Enjoy an evening of incredible food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and meaningful connections while honoring the best and brightest in our industry. Plus, the evening’s afterparty supports the future of hospitality through industry-focused initiatives and programs.

We hope to see members of the East Texas Chapter (Tyler/Longview) hospitality community represented at this special statewide celebration. Let’s celebrate the people and businesses that make Texas restaurants extraordinary! 🍽️🥂

Texas Restaurant Association

https://tobi.tobincenter.org/Online/seatSelect.asp?createBO%3A%3AWSmap=1&BOparam%3A%3AWSmap%3A%3AloadBestAvailable%3A%3Aperformance_ids=8BCA988E-A534-46EB-BB43-53B19722323B

05/21/2026

📈 Trend or fad? Knowing the difference can make all the difference for your business.

Join the Texas Restaurant Association and Datassential for an exclusive webinar designed to help restaurant operators better understand what today’s consumers actually want — and which trends are truly worth paying attention to.

From value-driven dining to balancing health, wellness, and indulgence, this session will break down what’s gaining momentum, what’s fading fast, and what has real staying power. Backed by real consumer and menu data, you’ll walk away with insights to help guide smarter menu, marketing, and business decisions.

🎤 Panelists:
• Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer, TRA
• Renee Lee Wege, Trendologist & Senior Publications Manager, Datassential

⭐ TRA Member Exclusive Webinar
Not a member yet? Email [email protected] to join today!

05/20/2026

🔥 Calling all Texas chefs! The Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Show are launching an exciting NEW culinary competition this year — the 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧! 🇨🇱🍴

Chefs from across Texas are invited to apply by June 1 for the chance to compete live at the Texas Restaurant Show on July 12 in a fast-paced, two-round tapas competition highlighting creativity, technique, and bold Texas flavor.

Up to eight chefs will be selected, and the winning chef will earn the incredible opportunity to represent Texas at the Tapas of America event in Querétaro, Mexico — with a chance to advance to the World Tapas Competition in Spain! 🌎✨

This exciting new competition shines a spotlight on the talent, innovation, and culinary excellence found throughout Texas hospitality.

📣 Applications are open now through June 1!
Apply here: https://txrestaurantshow.com/Show/Explore/Lone-Star-Tapas-Showdown-Chef.aspx

05/05/2026

✨𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 ✨

Join us for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬—an unforgettable evening honoring the talent, creativity, and leadership that define our industry.

📍 Sunday, July 12
📍 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | San Antonio

Enjoy an incredible night featuring:
🍽️ Chef-driven bites from across Texas
🍸 Signature cocktails
🏆 Recognition of the industry’s top talent
🎶 Live entertainment + an after party with a purpose

This is more than an awards show—it’s a celebration of the people and passion driving Texas hospitality forward.

👉 Get your tickets today: https://bit.ly/4cPJ7DY

Come celebrate. Come connect. Come be inspired.

04/27/2026

We’re proud to support programs that create real opportunities and stronger communities. 💙

The Texas Restaurant Foundation’s Second Chances Program is helping individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening our industry’s workforce—giving people a path forward through training, support, and employment.

Take a moment to watch this powerful interview and learn more about the impact being made. If you’re able, consider supporting this important initiative.

👇 Watch below- donate to make a difference here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/turnaround-tuesday-giving-texans-a-second-chance-to-build-a-better-future

A Texas program is training people serving time behind bars in the culinary arts. It's part of an effort to expand second-chance hiring and meet the restaura...

04/20/2026

This is an important conversation for our industry.

The Texas Restaurant Association is leading the dialogue on immigration reform—not as a political issue, but as a business reality impacting restaurants across the state. From workforce shortages to declining traffic, operators are feeling the effects every day.

This article highlights why this issue matters and how TRA is working to advocate for practical, real-world solutions that support both our workforce and our businesses.

👉 Take a few minutes to read and stay informed: https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/workforce/why-texas-restaurant-association-leading-conversation-immigration-reform

Immigration declines are hurting a lot of restaurants. The Texas Restaurant Association has brought together different groups to find a

04/15/2026

We’ll see you at the TRA Show this July 👀

📅 July 13–14

If you’re a TRA member, your ticket is complimentary—so don’t miss your chance to experience everything the show has to offer, from new products and vendors to ideas that can help grow your business.

👉 Register now: https://txrestaurant.org/show/

Not a member but interested in attending for your restaurant or bar? I’d love to help—reach out to me at [email protected] for more information.

04/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who was apart of helping us bring The Taste of Tyler BACK after a six year hiatus! We are still reminiscing on all the food and fun!🥂🌮

04/12/2026

🚨 Protecting Your Margins: Surcharges, Discounts & Swipe Fees Explained 🚨

Swipe fees keep climbing—and restaurant margins are feeling the pressure. It’s time to get ahead of it.

Join our upcoming webinar and learn how to take control of your payment costs with strategies that actually work.

💡 We’ll break down:
✔️ Surcharges vs. cash & debit discounting
✔️ Legal + operational do’s and don’ts
✔️ How to choose the right approach for your business

Plus, hear real-world insights from operators and industry experts so you can make confident, informed decisions.

🎤 Featuring:
• Kelsey Erickson Streufert (Texas Restaurant Association)
• Matthew Mabel (Surrender Inc.)
• Blanca Aldaco (Aldaco’s)
• Charles Southgate (Global Payments)

👉 Spots are limited—register now and start protecting your profits.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ut6Xg0D5Qh203rVbRm4dQA

04/02/2026

Restaurant leaders across East Texas are invited to join us for a dynamic 90-minute event showcasing the value and impact of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) and its partners.

The afternoon will kick off at 1:30 PM with an opportunity to connect with key partners, including industry experts who will share valuable resources, insights, and tools designed to support your business. Attendees will receive helpful materials highlighting available benefits and critical updates affecting Smith County restaurants.

At 2:00 PM, Congressman Moran will join us for a special address followed by a brief Q&A session, reinforcing the importance of having a strong voice for our industry at the state and federal levels.

We’ll also hear from Heather on the Second Chance Program—an innovative workforce solution that helps restaurants address staffing challenges while unlocking potential tax benefits.

The event will conclude with an overview of the Texas Restaurant Association and how we continue to advocate for and support restaurant operators across the region.

This is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your business—all in just 90 minutes. We look forward to seeing you there!