Some of the biggest names in food are coming to North Texas this fall as the third annual SHEF Food + Wine Festival returns October 9–11 at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie. Founded by James Beard Award-nominated chef and entrepreneur Tiffany Derry and T2D Concepts co-founder Thomas Foley, SHEF brings together more than 40 nationally recognized chefs, restaurateurs, television personalities and culinary voices for a weekend celebrating the people and flavors shaping the modern table.
This year’s lineup reads like a who’s who of the culinary world, including Carla Hall, Kristen Kish, Duff Goldman, Michael Voltaggio, Angelo Sosa, Tristen Epps-Long, Erick Williams, Kevin Bludso, Nyesha Arrington, Joe Bastianich, Shirley Chung, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, and many more.
But SHEF is about more than celebrity chefs. The festival was created to showcase the diversity of Texas food culture, bringing together influences ranging from Mexican, Gulf Coast and Vietnamese cuisine to Nigerian, Indian, Korean, Black Southern and Indigenous traditions. The weekend also shines a spotlight on the North Texas culinary community, with local favorites including Nikky Phinyawatana, Cookie Society, Breakfast Brothers and Smokey John’s featured during Saturday’s programming.
The weekend kicks off Friday with the SNO Social at The Landing, hosted by Carla Hall, followed by a welcome reception and a special Restaurant Takeover featuring Derry alongside chefs including Erick Williams, Silvia Barban, Mika Leon and Duff Goldman. In another location, celebrit chef Kristen Kish will be featured in a fireside chat Q&A and book signing. The evening continues with The Juke Joint, a Southern-inspired late-night celebration featuring bites from Kenny Gilbert, Tobias Dorzon, Kevin Lee and Shirley Chung, along with music and cocktails.
Saturday brings the festival’s signature experiences, including the Tournament of Pickleball Champions, The First Bite, a wine experience, a guest chef panel and the Grand Tasting. Guests will have opportunities to sample dishes, meet chefs and explore the wine and spirits offerings while experiencing the energy of one of North Texas’ most anticipated culinary weekends.
And the weekend doesn’t end without a little soul. Sunday will bring a Gospel Brunch-style finale, pairing food and fellowship with live gospel music for a celebration that speaks to the community and culture at the heart of SHEF.
Beyond the food and festivities, SHEF also has a mission: a portion of proceeds supports Roots Impact, which focuses on scholarships, mentorship, workforce development and educational opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
For Derry, that mission is central to what makes SHEF different. It is a gathering built not only around what’s on the plate, but around the people, stories, cultures and opportunities behind it.
SHEF Food + Wine Festival takes place October 9–11 at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie. More information can be found at ShefFoodandWine.com.
