Introduction to Houston’s Rising Stars
A national publication, StarChefs, has announced its latest picks for Houston’s rising stars in the food world. This year, 22 Houston chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage professionals have been awarded the Rising Stars Awards. The winners are a mix of well-known names in Houston’s restaurant scene and promising new talent.
The Selection Process
StarChefs conducted interviews and tastings with over 100 chefs to determine the winners. The recognition is expected to lead to more national attention and potentially pave the way for other awards, such as James Beard nominations or Food & Wine Best New Chef. According to StarChefs managing partner Will Blunt, "Houston’s hospitality scene thrives on collaboration instead of competition." This unique aspect of Houston’s food scene has contributed to its growth and diversity.
The Winners
The winners of the 2025 StarChefs Houston Rising Stars Award include:
Chefs
- Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of Jūn
- Joseph Boudreaux of Boo’s Burgers
- Benchwan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen
- Christian Hernandez of Barbacana
- Lucas McKinney of Josephine’s
- Max Lappe and Jacques Varron of Baso
- Adrián Torres of Maximo
Restaurateurs
- Sara and Martin Stayer of Nobie’s, The Toasted Coconut, Nonno’s Family Pizza Tavern, and The Road to Nowhere
Game Changer
Community
- Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó
Concept
- Rafael Nasr of Craft Pita
- Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk
Bakers
- Maham Qureshi of Shakkar
- Van Teamer of Pudgy’s Fine Cookies
Bartender
- Kristine Nguyen of Bludorn
Pastry Chefs
- Marie Riddle of Bludorn Hospitality Group
- Micaela Victoria formerly of Goodnight Hospitality
Pitmaster
- Cooper Abercrombie of Bar-A-BBQ
Ice Cream Maker
- Josh Deleon of Underground Creamery
Mentor
- Justin Yu of Thorough Fare
Celebration and Charity
StarChefs will celebrate its new class with a series of events from October 1-15. During this time, Houstonians are encouraged to visit the recognized restaurants and try signature items from each. Additionally, StarChefs has designated two bonus stops: Tribute at the Houstonian hotel and Moon Rabbit, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Heights. For every Bò Kho Dip sandwich sold at Moon Rabbit during the celebration, StarChefs will donate $3 to Houston nonprofit PX Project.
Conclusion
The 2025 StarChefs Houston Rising Stars Award winners represent the best of Houston’s food scene. With a mix of experienced chefs and new talent, these individuals are helping to shape the city’s culinary identity. By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, StarChefs is contributing to the growth and diversity of Houston’s hospitality scene. As the city continues to evolve and thrive, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for these rising stars and the impact they will have on the food world.
