Houston fans and readers of the national finance/lifestyle publication Worth will recognize a couple of familiar faces on the cover of the magazine’s annual Worthy 100 list.
Restaurateur/philanthropist/media personality/enthusiastic CultureMap Wine Guy Chris Shepherd has been named to the Worthy 100, along with gymnastics G.O.A.T. Simone Biles, who’s obviously a current Green Bay resident — but is always a Houstonian in our eyes.
For those unfamiliar with the publication, Worth magazine’s Worthy 100 list “supports our mission to elevate individuals using their talent, wealth, and influence to generate positive impacts,” the publication notes in the introduction to the list. “By highlighting the voices and choices of those working to create change, we hope to do our part.”
Shepherd and Biles join a serious, who’s-who assembly of difference makers, some of whose influence and notoriety extend across the globe. Notable names include 2023’s inarguable It Girl Taylor Swift; former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, and the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry; F1 racing phenom Sir Lewis Hamilton; charming Barbie director Greta Gerwig; Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who could become the first chief of naval operations in U.S. history; and more on the prestigious list.
Chris, Simone, and Tay — NBD
Shepherd tells CultureMap that Worth’s editor in chief contacted his wife, Southern Smoke executive director and former power publicist Lindsey Brown, a few months ago. “I actually worked with his partner on an event years ago, and he’d been following me and Southern Smoke ever since,” Shepherd adds.
When the editor mentioned to Shepherd that his work with Southern Smoke (his foundation that aids food industry workers in need) would be included in the list, Shepherd says he was blown away. And landing the cover with Tay and The G.O.A.T.? NBD.
“I can’t believe I’m on the cover of the magazine with my friends Taylor Swift and Simone Biles,” he jokes. “In all seriousness, this list is made up of truly incredible people that are doing a lot of good for this world, and it's very special to be included. Each person on this list — from Artis Stevens with Big Brothers Big Sisters, to my friend Tom Colicchio and his own advocacy for the industry — is making a real difference.”
For its part, Worth deftly illustrates Shepherd’s origin story and good-hearted purpose.“Hailing from the Midwest,” the magazine piece starts, “Shepherd may seem like an unlikely champion of the Texas culinary scene. But in addition to creating some of Houston’s favorite restaurants, Shepherd has also exposed some of the glaring holes in the hospitality industry’s safety net. Despite spending almost a decade in the fine dining scene, he is a force of good for the everyman, not to mention the everyman’s palate.”
High praise, but praise that Shepherd wants to deflect to Southern Smoke, its team, recipients, and cause.
“This is an incredible honor, and I’m so glad it shines a light on the work the Southern Smoke team is doing,” he says. “Everyone on this list and everyone who reads this magazine goes out to eat. I hope they take away a little about the food and beverage industry’s challenges—maybe it will inspire them to give back.”
As for Biles, Worth reminds that she recently cemented her G.O.A.T. status with 34 world and Olympic medals after scoring yet the all-around gold medal in October at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.
Biles’ big year
Worth recognized Biles for her fearlessness in raising awareness for mental health .
Image via Simone Biles/Instagram and Athleta
Newlywed Biles now lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her NFL star/former Houston Texan husband Jonathan Owens signed with the Green Bay Packers.
The beloved Houston power couple married in April, as we were first in Houston to report, and had to relocate soon after free agent Owens signed with The Pack.
Worth credits Biles for becoming “a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health issues. Now at 26, she’s back on the top of her game and heading off to the 2024 Paris Olympics with GOAT status, being celebrated as the greatest gymnast of all time,” the publication adds.
Fine words for our beloved G.O.A.T., who is most deservedly enjoying a great run with more to come.
Make some waves!
As is Shepherd, who reminded Worth readers that it just takes one person to spark a movement. “Find a cause you believe in, and believe in yourself enough to support that cause in any way you can” he advised in the Worth story. “It just takes one person to get a wave started.”
This year has seen a surge of waves for Shepherd, who in 2023 launched his show Eat like a Local on Channel 2 as well as an intriguing industry speaker series at Stages that features his signature casual style as he chats with Houston’s top restaurateurs and figures.
“Being able to sit on a stage and have conversations with the most brilliant minds in the restaurant industry; launching a TV show that showcases the amazing people that make up our food and beverage community in Houston; starting a food company and serving hot dogs in NRG Stadium...even a year ago, I never imagined I’d be here,” he reflects. “But man, is it fun, and I’m having a blast.”
“Southern Smoke isn’t new to me,” our wine columnist continues, “and the team continues to amaze me. We’ve granted $11 million to people in the F+B industry nationwide and referred more than 4,000 mental health counseling sessions in five states with seven more states being added in 2024 I just can’t believe how far this organization has come, and I couldn’t be more proud to represent it on the cover of a magazine. Now, let’s make some waves!”
Coming soon to Missouri City. 