Chef Aaron Collins has been an integral part of Café Momentum since its inception. A graduate of El Centro, he played a key role in the organization’s early pop-ups and special events, helping lay the foundation for the flagship restaurant now located in the heart of the Meadows campus in Dallas.With over 14 years of professional cooking experience in Dallas—nine of those with Café Momentum—Chef Aaron brings exceptional culinary expertise and a deep commitment to the mission. He is highly skilled in curing meats, pickling vegetables, and crafting house-made cheeses, elevating the distinctive flavors that define the Café Momentum menu. Beyond the kitchen, he tends the Café Momentum community garden at Deep Ellum Urban Gardens, working alongside interns to teach the importance of sustainability and fresh ingredients.When he’s not creating unforgettable dishes, Chef Aaron enjoys traveling, gardening, and sharing great wine with his wife. His passion for food, mentorship, and community makes him a vital leader in the program, inspiring and shaping the next generation of young culinary professionals.

Raised in Dallas, Andrea Shackelford is a proud SMU graduate (Class of 2007) whose culinary journey has been deeply rooted in the farm-to-table movement of North Texas.She joined Wells Hospitality Group in 2012 and played a pivotal role in developing and launching Harvest Seasonal Kitchen in 2014. When the restaurant relocated to its new home at Harvest at the Masonic in 2023, Andrea remained at the helm as Executive Chef and Managing Partner, continuing to elevate the concept with a deep commitment to local sourcing and seasonal menus.Beyond the kitchen, Andrea is a founding member of The Seed Project Foundation, a McKinney-based nonprofit that promotes sustainability through education and agriculture. The foundation supports local farmers and funds initiatives that align with Andrea’s enduring belief in responsible, community-focused food systems.

Executive Chef Andy Papson leads the entire culinary operation at Virgin Hotels Dallas, including its signature restaurant Commons Club, as well as The Pool Club, banquets, and catering. Drawing from a lifetime spent by the water, Papson’s menus at Commons Club highlight coastal fare and vibrant Creole flavors.His passion for fresh ingredients and diverse cuisine has earned him numerous accolades, including Chef of the Year for Davidson Hotels, Chef of the Month in Baton Rouge, Best Dish at the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, and Best Key Lime Pie in South Florida. This year, Papson looks forward to making a splash at Chefs For Farmers with a dish inspired by his scuba diving adventures.

Born and raised in the DFW area, Chef Aubrey discovered his passion for cooking through his grandmother. He trained under culinary legends Dean Fearing and Michelin-starred Chef John Tesar, and further honed his skills during several years in Maui. Outside the kitchen, Chef Aubrey is a proud family man and father to a 4-year-old daughter. When he’s not perfecting his craft, he dedicates his time to mixed martial arts training.

Executive Chef Eduardo Osorio is a Dallas-based culinary talent with a global perspective and a passion for crafting soulful, seasonal cuisine. He brings both polish and warmth to his new role.

As far back as he can remember, Evan Meagher has been making memories at his family’s ranch, hunting alongside loved ones—experiences that remain among his most cherished.What began as a childhood hobby evolved into a lifelong passion. Today, Evan embarks on extended hunting expeditions with a deep respect for sourcing quality meats and honoring every step of the process—from field to table. He is currently pursuing the prestigious North American Big Game 29, a rare achievement that involves harvesting 29 native big game animals and requires years of skill, patience, and dedication.That same hands-on approach led to a labor of love: Evan’s Meat Market. Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Evan grew up surrounded by the bold, soulful flavors of Cajun cooking—flavors that now inspire many of his offerings, including cold-cut poboys and chicken-and-sausage gumbo with a signature “Tex-ajun” twist. By merging his culinary heritage with a love for premium cuts, Evan created the meat market to share his knowledge and help customers serve something truly exceptional at home.The overwhelming popularity of his cold-cut poboys sparked the launch of The Poboy Shop in 2025. Built on the same house-made deli meats that made Evan’s Meat Market a local favorite, the shop features his take on Cajun comfort food—from cornmeal-fried shrimp poboys to the original “Debris” poboy, stacked with braised beef, gravy, and provolone. The menu also features gumbo served hot and ready, along with Cajun-seasoned curly fries.Evan believes that the best memories are made around a great meal—whether it's shared at home or enjoyed over poboys with friends. He remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from hand-selecting meats to crafting bold, satisfying recipes. Step into the market or the shop and meet the man behind the meat—Evan will make sure you leave well-fed and full of flavor.

Franchesca is a chef who has honed her craft over the past 14 years, but her true passion lies in the connection between food and health.She is dedicated to caring for both customers and staff by creating accessible, healthy, and delicious meals—and she never misses an opportunity to share how food can be an expression of love. Through her work, Franchesca inspires others to see nourishment not just as sustenance, but as a powerful act of care and connection.

Giorgio Rapicavoli is an acclaimed chef and owner of the wildly popular Eating House, as well as Luca Osteria in Coral Gables. He also is the current chef at the Mayfair Grove in Coconut Grove and Grape Ape in South Miami. Born and raised in Miami, Rapicavoli has dedicated his career to championing Miami’s culinary scene and infusing his Argentine and Italian heritage into the city’s rich melting pot of food and culture. He is the first-ever Miami contestant to win Food Network’s Chopped which resulted in the opening of Eating House’s pop-up restaurant. After quickly becoming one of the city’s most sought-after dining experiences, Rapicavoli reopened the same concept in 2012 as a standalone restaurant to widespread critical acclaim. Eating House closed its doors the summer of 2021 and reopened December 2022 at a new address on Giralda Plaza, just steps away from its sister restaurant, Luca Osteria. Luca, named after Rapicavoli’s son, opened in February 2021 and is the second project under his Shake and Bake Hospitality Group. In the summer of 2024, Giorgio took over the Mayfair Grove in Coconut Grove, FL.

Jason Rohan’s culinary journey is fueled by heart, passion, and refined skill. Originally from Los Angeles, his love for food was sparked in high school by his mother, inspiring him to pursue a career where his creativity could thrive. After attending culinary school at Los Angeles Mission College, Jason began honing his craft—starting as a pastry assistant for Suzanne Goin from 2013 to 2015.A pivotal chapter came when he joined Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills (2015–2017), where he developed a deep appreciation for the discipline and precision of fine dining. His expertise further evolved during his time with Chef Curtis Stone at Gwen and Georgie (2017–2020), where he mastered the art of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.Since January 2021, Jason has served as Executive Chef at Monarch, where he draws inspiration from the kitchen’s vibrant energy and the innovative environment cultivated by Chef Danny Grant. Italian cuisine speaks to his soul, particularly its emphasis on elevating uncomplicated ingredients with intention and care.Outside the kitchen, Jason is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his wife, their two-year-old son, and their dog. Whether exploring Texas or discovering new restaurants, his love for food and family remains at the heart of everything he does.

An iconoclastic celebrity in the culinary world, John Tesar began his career in New York City, making a name for himself at acclaimed spots including 13 Barrow Street, 44 & Hell’s Kitchen, Vine, and the Supper Club. He later brought his bold, boundary-pushing style to Dallas, where he opened the critically acclaimed Knife and Knife Italian, as well as Knife & Spoon in Orlando—each earning national recognition from Bon Appétit, Eater, Gayot, and Esquire.In 2022, Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes in Orlando was awarded a MICHELIN star under Tesar’s leadership and continues to retain the honor.A fixture in the Dallas dining scene—and once famously entangled in a feud with food critic Leslie Brenner—Tesar is known as a “chef’s chef,” respected both for his technique and tenacity. He has received praise from Food & Wine and The New York Times, made appearances on The Today Show and The Early Show, and is a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist for “Best Chef: Southwest.” He’s also a two-time contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef.

Chef Jon Bonnell blends his Texas heritage with classical culinary training to craft inventive dishes that celebrate bold, locally inspired flavors.Widely regarded as a leading authority on fine wild game and Texas cuisine, Chef Bonnell brings an innate understanding of flavor pairing and refined technique to every plate—enticing diners to explore fresh, inspired creations.His namesake restaurant, Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine in Fort Worth, has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence every year since 2004 and is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Texas—and among the top 100 in America by OpenTable. His second fine dining concept, WATERS, debuted to critical acclaim in March 2013, further cementing his reputation for culinary excellence.In addition to his fine dining ventures, Chef Bonnell owns and operates BUFFALO BROS Pizza, Wings & Subs, with popular locations near the TCU campus and in Sundance Square, offering a more casual expression of his passion for great food.

Chef Joshua Harmon is a culinary force in Dallas, Texas, celebrated for his trailblazing spirit and adventurous palate. He has opened several award-winning restaurants, earning accolades such as USA Today’s Best New Restaurant and Eater’s Chef of the Year. In 2017, he won Chefs for Farmers, and the following year, he claimed victory on the Food Network’s Restaurant Rivals.Joshua began his culinary journey under the mentorship of Stephen Pyles, following early experience in New York City. He later co-created a pop-up series with fellow chef Misti Norris at her now-closed restaurant, Petra and the Beast, and ran the tasting menu at Purepecha, helmed by eight-time James Beard Award nominee Regino Rojas.Blending the bold, distinct flavors of the South and Asia, Joshua crafts dynamic, boundary-pushing dining experiences. Known for his mastery of fermentation and inventive culinary approach, he brings a true symphony of flavor to every dish.He’s had the honor of cooking for an array of notable figures, including Heidi Klum, Leon Bridges, Peter Gabriel, The Zombies, Erykah Badu, and the designers of Carhartt, among many others.

Josh Sutcliff began his culinary journey as a 13-year-old dishwasher, captivated by the energy and chaos of the kitchen. Just a year later, he was cooking at a small restaurant in North Carolina, where he remained through high school. In 2010, Josh moved to San Francisco to attend Le Cordon Bleu, graduating while working at the acclaimed restaurants Bix and Baker & Banker.In 2012, Josh relocated to Dallas, where he served as Chef de Cuisine at the celebrated FT33. He later led the kitchen at Filament, earning recognition as one of Zagat’s “30 Under 30” most influential restaurant professionals in Dallas. In 2016, as Executive Chef at Mirador, Josh received widespread praise for his refined, seasonally driven approach to modern American cuisine. The restaurant earned a 4-star review from The Dallas Morning News, and Josh was named Rising Star Chef of the Year by CultureMap Dallas.In 2018, he co-founded ShipShape with Seth Brammer, a venture aimed at expanding access to quality local food experiences across the DFW area. When an exciting opportunity arose in Denver, Josh made the move and took on the role of Executive Chef at Local Jones. There, he helped successfully open the restaurant and hotel in July 2020, was named Cherry Creek’s Best Chef (Editor’s Pick) by Cherry Creek Magazine, and embraced the Colorado lifestyle.In 2022, Dallas called him home once again. He returned to launch 55 Seventy alongside longtime colleagues Jeff Gregory and Tommy Shuey, continuing his mission to create memorable food experiences rooted in craftsmanship, community, and innovation.

Katsuji Tanabe doesn’t play it safe. Known for stirring the pot both in the kitchen and on camera, this classically trained chef pairs bold flavors with an even bolder personality. From Top Chef to NBC’s Yes Chef!, Katsuji has been called a villain, a loudmouth, a genius—and he’s fine with all of it. Because behind the attitude lies real technique, real fire, and food you’ll never forget.

After his military service and return to the professional kitchen, Chef Lance led several restaurants in the Texas Hill Country and the Deep East Texas port town of Jefferson. He later joined the bustling culinary scene in Dallas, where he had the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best chefs. His résumé includes legendary establishments such as FT33, Macellaio (now Lucia), and SĒR Steak + Spirits. Lance also took part in acclaimed pop-ups and restaurant takeovers at local favorites like Petra and the Beast and Taco y Vino.In 2019, Chef Lance returned to East Texas and moved to Tyler—the neighboring “big city” to his hometown of Athens—to open his first restaurant as a chef/owner: Culture ETX. In 2022, he expanded the concept by adding The Plaid Rabbit Social Club & Speakeasy, a hidden venue accessible through the restaurant. After five successful years, he transformed the space into Heritage East—a more refined and elegant evolution of Culture ETX—dedicated to honoring the food of his ancestors and showcasing elevated East Texas cuisine.Chef Lance’s work has earned widespread acclaim. He won The Texas Bucket List’s “Bite of the Season” award for his Heritage Pork Chop—a version of which remains a staple on the menu. He is also the reigning Dallas “Prince of Pork,” a title earned at the prestigious heritage-breed cooking competition Cochon 555. Nationally, he impressed viewers and judges on Food Network’s Chopped, where his now-famous chocolate mousse made its debut (and yes, it’s still on the menu!).Lance lives in Tyler with his wife, professional barbecue pitmaster Bailey, and their three beloved dogs: Rio, Dookie, and Ivy.

Mauricio Garcia Travesi is the President and Co-Owner of the Mozzarella Company, an award-winning artisanal cheese factory based in Dallas, Texas.With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a background that blends creativity, discipline, and international perspective, Mauricio has become a driving force behind the company's continued growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the Mozzarella Company remains a celebrated name in artisanal cheese, known for its dedication to quality, tradition, and bold flavor.

Meaders Moore Ozarow co-founded Empire Baking Company in November 1992 with her husband, Robert.A native of Abilene, Meaders has always had a deep love for food. Noticing a lack of fresh, artisan bread options in Dallas, she set out to fill that void—bringing handcrafted, high-quality loaves to the community. She and Robert believe that product integrity begins with the use of the finest ingredients, a principle that continues to guide their work.When she's not breaking bread, Meaders is cooking for her family, raising funds for Meals on Wheels, and generously giving her time and resources to support the arts.

Chef Michael Lane brings over 30 years of experience across corporate, restaurant, and fine-dining settings. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York while simultaneously working for Market Basket, the largest tri-state catering company in Franklin, New Jersey. Upon returning to Texas, he trained under renowned chefs Tim Keaton, Robert DeGrande, and Dean Fearing.Five years later, Michael founded Michael Lane Cuisine, Inc., which he led for over 20 years. The company produced approximately 3,000 meals per day for major corporate clients, hedge funds, musicians, and professional athletes. With more than $43 million in gross revenue, Michael successfully sold the business to City Café in 2009.He then spent six years in a business development role at one of the largest restaurant equipment and design vendors in the country. In 2021, Michael shifted his focus to building Dallas’s premier BBQ destination—and some say, the best in Texas.As Founder and Owner of Lane’s OAK’D BBQ Dallas—recognized as one of the Top 100 BBQ Restaurants in Texas—Michael continues to exceed expectations and is humbled by the accolades OAK’D has received, including:Best Desserts in Texas – Texas MonthlyBest Chicken Fried Steak in Dallas – Dallas ObserverTop 100 BBQ Joints in Texas – Texas MonthlyTop 2 Best BBQ Joints in Dallas – Dallas ObserverMichael brings not only his deep culinary expertise to the OAK’D brand but also an unwavering attention to detail—ensuring every guest receives the highest-quality food and experience.‍

A culinary innovator with a flair for unforgettable flavors, Chef Mollie G brings both artistry and expertise to every plate. A featured alumna of UT Dallas, she has created exquisite dishes for award-winning motorsports teams, competed on MasterChef and Chopped, and refined her craft while traveling across the country.At home in Dallas, Chef Mollie curates intimate dining experiences, designs elevated tasting menus, and makes her mark at renowned events such as the Dallas Food & Wine Festival, Taste of Dallas, and Chefs for Farmers. With heart and dedication, she shares her passion through cooking classes and live demos at the Dallas Arboretum, the Texas State Fair, and beyond. Deeply committed to giving back, she actively supports Genesis Women’s Shelter and empowers future chefs through educational programs throughout the Dallas metroplex.Her culinary foundation began with a rigorous three-year program, followed by hands-on industry experience. From launching a seasonal pop-up on Lake Texoma to developing a healthy meal prep service, catering exclusive events, and crafting custom multi-course menus, Chef Mollie constantly explores creative ways to elevate her craft.Inspired by diverse cultures, she reimagines traditional flavors in bold, unexpected ways. Her dedication to sustainability and community impact reflects her belief that food is more than nourishment—it’s an experience meant to spark joy and connection.

With over two decades of culinary and operational excellence, Nick Gambill brings unmatched expertise and leadership to his role as Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Adios Fajitas.Nick’s journey began with a remarkable 17-year tenure at Pappas Restaurants, where he rose through the ranks—mastering high-volume operations, team development, and guest-driven hospitality. He went on to sharpen his operational edge during six years with Raising Cane’s, where he played a pivotal role in the brand’s rapid expansion and culture-focused leadership.Now, as COO of Adios Fajitas, Nick combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for innovation to lead the fast-growing, takeout- and delivery-driven concept. Known for his relentless standards, hands-on leadership style, and dedication to chef-crafted quality, Nick is helping redefine what it means to serve prime fajitas—with flavor, speed, and soul.

Olivia Genthe is the chef and creative force behind some of Dallas’s most beloved culinary spaces, including Fount, Little Blue, and Seegars Deli. Known for her deep commitment to seasonality, sustainability, and soulful hospitality, Olivia artfully blends European romanticism with Southern roots to create menus that are both nostalgic and delightfully unexpected.A Cleveland native, she began her culinary journey in the early 2010s, managing high-volume beer bars in Texas before launching her own food truck in Dallas—helping shape the city’s emerging mobile food scene. She later moved to Austin, where she grew her catering business under the Native Family brand, a concept centered on developing thoughtful contract kitchens and curated events. During this time, she became a prominent voice in the slow food movement, honing her skills in butchering, fermentation, and hyperlocal sourcing.Now back in Dallas, Olivia is focused on building a restaurant group dedicated to legacy concepts—anchoring historic neighborhoods with approachable, honest hospitality in one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Her work is rooted in creating spaces that feel warm, intentional, and deeply connected to their sense of place.

Rich Rogers, proprietor and cheesemonger of Scardello Artisan Cheese, discovered his passion for food early in life growing up in Dalhart, Texas.That passion evolved into a thriving family business with the opening of Scardello Artisan Cheese in October 2008 in Dallas’s Oak Lawn/Turtle Creek neighborhood.Since then, Scardello has earned widespread acclaim, including “Best Cheese Shop” by D Magazine editors from 2011–2013 and 2015–2019, as well as from 2021–2024. It was also selected by D Magazine readers as “Best Cheese Shop” in 2015. Other accolades include “Best Adult Education” for its popular Cheese 101 class (2009), “Best of the City” by Modern Luxury Dallas (2010), and “Best Picnic Plan” by The Dallas Observer (2015). Rogers himself was named “Best Cheesemonger” by The Dallas Observer in 2011.A Certified Cheese Professional and active member of the American Cheese Society, Rogers has also served as Chair of the ACS Judging and Competition Committee. Today, Scardello Artisan Cheese operates two beloved Dallas locations: its original storefront in Oak Lawn and a second outpost in the Dallas Farmers Market.

Murphy began his culinary journey in Austin, working at acclaimed restaurants such as Congress, 2nd Bar + Kitchen, Péché, and Jeffrey’s. In 2015, while leading Sandra Bullock’s Bess Bistro, he was named one of Zagat Austin’s 30 Under 30: Rockstars Redefining the Industry. He later served as Executive Chef for both Austin locations of North Italia.Today, Murphy brings his passion, creativity, and dedication not only to Perch, but also to its sister restaurants, Shinsei and Lovers Seafood.

Haywire’s Chef de Cuisine, Skyler Gauthier, is a rising star in the restaurant industry, redefining Texas cuisine through exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Chef Gauthier brings a unique perspective and an innate talent for creating dishes that rival those of native-born Texans. His innovative approach, combined with strong partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, and growers, supports a menu that celebrates the rich diversity of Texas through locally sourced ingredients.A graduate of the prestigious Art Institute in Dallas, Chef Gauthier refined his skills at acclaimed establishments including The Old Hickory Steakhouse, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Del Frisco’s Grille, and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Since joining Haywire in 2019, he has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s innovative, seasonal farm-to-fork menus, consistently pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation.Named a 2022 Rising Star by FSR Magazine, Chef Gauthier exemplifies the spirit of modern Texas cuisine. His unwavering dedication to culinary artistry, talent for crafting unforgettable dishes, and commitment to showcasing local flavors continue to position him as a trailblazer in the industry.‍

Born in Sardinia, Italy, Chef Stefano Addari discovered his passion for the culinary arts at age 19 while cooking for the Vice Admiral in the Italian Navy in the city of Cagliari. Eager to deepen his knowledge of traditional Italian cuisine, he worked in Italy as a Chef de Cuisine before moving to the United States in 2010. Once in the U.S., Chef Stefano served as Executive Chef at several restaurants across the Southeast before joining Eataly as Head Chef.

Born and raised in Drury, New Zealand, Chef Toby has spent the past two decades cooking at top restaurants around the globe.His culinary journey eventually brought him to New York City, where he worked under the renowned Chef Daniel Boulud. It was there he met his future wife, and together they later moved to Dallas to start a family. Quarter Acre—Chef Toby’s long-held dream—came to life in December 2022, blending his global experience with a deep sense of place and purpose.