As part of a year-long celebration of the association’s 75th anniversary, the Texas Restaurant Association partnered with Foodways Texas on an oral history project that will preserve the great stories of iconic Texas restaurants.
Elements of seven of these iconic Texas restaurants’ stories will be shared in a multi-media presentation at Expo on Sunday, June 24 from 11:30-12:30 on the Event Stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of the restaurant industry from the owners and families who made these restaurants truly iconic.
Mi Tierra Café (San Antonio), Zentner’s Daughter Steakhouse ( San Angelo), Joe T. Garcia’s (Fort Worth), Blue Bonnet Café (Marble Falls), Matt’s El Rancho (Austin), Blanco Bowling Club (Blanco), and Big Texan (Amarillo) all have truly amazing stories that have had a significant impact on the industry and our state’s food culture.
“We are excited to share these legendary TRA members’ stories,” said Richie Jackson, TRA CEO. “Hearing these stories makes us all appreciate the diversity and strength of this industry and we are glad to have had a small part in preserving these for future generations.”
The oral histories were produced by students in the American Studies program at the University of Texas. Marvin Bendele, executive director of Foodways Texas will be in the Texas Restaurant Association booth (#1652) throughout Expo to answer questions and provide information about the project.
“The Texas restaurant industry is rich with history and stories yet to be told. Thanks to our partnership with the TRA and the University of Texas, Austin, the Iconic Texas Restaurant project has a great start and we hope to continue to bring these stories to the public for years to come.” Bendele noted.
The Southwest Foodservice Expo is June 24 – 25 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Registration is open to the trade only. For media credentials, email wsaari@tramail.org.
Texas Restaurant Association:
The Texas Restaurant Association was formed in 1937 to serve as the advocate in Texas and the indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Today, as a leading business association, TRA represents the state’s $38 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of 35,000 plus locations and a workforce of over one million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, the Association represents, educates and promotes the growing industry. www.restaurantville.com.
Foodways Texas:
Foodways Texas is an organization founded in 2010 by scholars, chefs, journalists, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, and other citizens of the state of Texas who have made it their mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the diverse food cultures of Texas. www.foodwaystexas.com
