The Southern Smoke Festival 2025 (SSF25) is fast approaching and foodies everywhere are gearing up for the culinary event of the year. Set to take place at Discovery Green in Downtown Houston on Saturday, October 4, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With a star-studded lineup of chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and hospitality icons, SSF25 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about food and beverage.
Founded in 2015 by 2013 F&W Best New Chef Chris Shepherd and Executive Director Lindsey Brown, the Southern Smoke Festival aims to support the Southern Smoke Foundation’s mission of providing emergency relief and mental health support to food and beverage industry workers nationwide. Over the years, the foundation has granted over $14.5 million to workers in need and has provided over 7,400 no-cost counseling sessions since 2020.
This year’s chef lineup is a who’s who of the culinary world, with renowned chefs from across the country showcasing their talents. From Wylie Dufresne of Stretch Pizza in NYC to Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston, and from Cheetie Kumar of Ajja in Raleigh to Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of Kasama in Chicago, SSF25 promises to be a feast for the senses.
Representing Houston, local favorites like Aaron Bludorn, Ope Amosu, Greg Gatlin, Alba Huerta, Evelyn Garcia, and Henry Lu will be serving up the city’s best dishes. National stars like Ashley Christensen, Aaron Franklin, Mason Hereford, Erick Williams, and Lee Anne Wong will also be in attendance, adding to the excitement of the festival.
Many of the participating chefs are F&W Best New Chefs, including Valerie and Nando Chang, Isabel Coss, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Calvin Eng, Angel Barreto, Ana Castro, Kevin Fink, Silver Iocovozzi, Caroline Schiff, Lawrence “LT” Smith, Caroline Glover, Rob Rubba, Amanda Shulman, Ed Szymanski, Brian Lea, and Leina Horii, among others. Additionally, the 2025 Class of F&W Best New Chefs will cook together for the first time ever in a dedicated zone presented by Skadden.
While SSF25 is a celebration of food and community, it is also rooted in a deeper purpose. The money raised at the event supports the Southern Smoke Foundation’s vital work in providing emergency assistance and mental health services to those in need in the food and beverage industry. More than just a food festival, SSF25 is a party with a purpose, where attendees can indulge, connect, and give back to a worthy cause. Tickets for the event are on sale now at southernsmoke.org, so be sure to secure your spot at this year’s hottest culinary event.
