Houston's new food festival

Mary J. Blige, Marcus Samuelson, Bun B, and a host of Houston stars headline hot new food and music festival

A new festival is uniting some of the country’s top Black chefs, beverage professionals, artists, and musicians for a two-day celebration of food, drinks, art, and music. The Honeyland Festival will take place November 11-12, 2023.

Held at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Honeyland is being produced by top talent agency IMG and event production company Live Nation Entertainment. The two entertainment giants have recruited superstar chef Marcus Samuelson, Uncle Nearest Whiskey CEO Fawn Weaver, and Houston artist Tobe Nwigwe to serve the event as the food curator, beverage curator, and Houston ambassador, respectively.

Headliners for the music festival include Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, along with Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Tems, and more. Houston will be well represented by performers including DJ Mr. Rogers, Dende, Lenora, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Tobe Nwigwe, and others. See the full lineup below.

On the culinary side, headliners include Lucille’s Hospitality Group founder chef and James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Top Chef finalist Dawn Burrell, Houston hip hop legend and Trill Burgers co-founder Bun B, Top Chef star Tiffany Derry, and Serigne Mbaye, the New Orleans chef who earned a 2023 James Beard Award finalist nomination for his restaurant Dakar NOLA. See the full lineup below.

“Trill Burgers and I are proud to be a part of Honeyland,” Bun B said in a statement. “It’s so important that we take the time to celebrate Black food, drink, and music, and acknowledge the impact we’ve had on American culture. To do this in the city that I reside in and call home makes it that much more special.”

Pre-sale tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $150 (plus a $30 fee) for general admission. VIP passes are priced at $525 (plus a $101 fee) and come with perks such as parking, lounges, viewing areas, and a merchandise credit. Those who want the ultimate experience may opt for the platinum package, which is priced at $975 (plus a $187 fee). General on-sale begins Friday, July 21.

“Whether you’re looking to taste a sample from one of your favorite rising chefs, or looking to have a conversation about breaking into the food and beverage industry as a Black entrepreneur, there will be something for every Honeylander to enjoy,” IMG vice president Staci Hallmon added. “Through food, music, and local partnerships, Honeyland will build a cultural movement that will inspire many.”

Musicians

Chlöe
Coco Jones
DJ Mr. Rogers
Spinall
Dende
Houston All-Stars (Scarface, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, and Lil Keke)
Inayah
Jae Murphy
Jazmine Sullivan
Kiotti & Keisha Nicole
Lenora
Lucky Daye
Mary J. Blige
Miguel
Tay Powers
Tems
Tobe Nwigwe

Chefs and Culinary Personalities

Amaris Jones
Angela Yee
Brandon “Big B The Chef” Tiffith
Bun B’s Trill Burgers
Chris Williams
Dawn Burrell
Earn Your Leisure
Ghetto Gastro
Indy Officinalis
Kardea Brown
Kavachi Ukegbu
Keisha Griggs
Prince Lobo
Serigne Mbaye
Shawn Osbey
Steve Rogers
Tabitha Brown
Tiffany Derry

Beverage Specialists

Andra AJ Johnson
Drink Champs
Ian Burrell
Jackie Summers
Jermaine Stone
Josh Davis
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Marcus Baskerville
McBride Sisters
Saeed "Hawk" House
Tiffanie Barriere

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Mary J. Blige will headline the Honeyland Festival

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H-E-B names 3 innovative Houston food companies among 'Texas Best'

H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Hive Food Co.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

Hive Food Co. is known for its infused honey.

After months of pouring over video submissions, H-E-B is entering the final leg of its annual grocery games. The San Antonio-based supermarket chain has narrowed down the finalists for its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, including three from Houston.

Ten innovative Texas entrepreneurs were chosen from a record-breaking 978 entries representing more than 500 companies spread across the Lone Star State.

Now in its 13th year, the contest asks Texas small businesses to put their best foot forward for the chance to win a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to be stocked on H-E-B shelves. Since the competition's beginning, the grocer has discovered more than 1,000 unique products, many of which have become literal household names.

“Quest for Texas Best is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Texas entrepreneurs,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity for H‑E‑B, in a release. “H‑E‑B began as a small business, and we know firsthand how powerful the right opportunity can be.”

This year, the San Antonio and Houston regions were at the head of the pack with three finalist nods each. But the entrepreneurs hailed from all over the state — from border town Roma to Fort Worth suburb Haltom City. The top 10 hopefuls include:

Boerne — Coley’s Foods Inc., a frozen cookie dough company
Floresville — Dean & Peeler Meats, a beef producer known for its smoked Gouda sausage and Angus tallow
San Antonio — WFN Foods, maker of heat-and-serve taco fillings like beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, and carne guisada
Roma — In Your Smokin' Face, a spice company specializing in bold chile piquín and carne asada blends
Haltom City — Sol Dias, a gourmet paleta and Mexican ice cream company
Glenn Heights — Uncle Marc’s, a manufacturer of barbecue seasonings, rubs, and sauces
Houston — Doggie Express, a small-batch maker of decorated treats for canine celebrations
Houston — Big Bayou Cocktail Sauce, a saucy supplier branching out to Bloody Mary and margarita mixes
Houston — Hive Food Co., beekeepers known for gourmet infused honey
Bastrop — La Fregona, creators of a chile sauce for elotes and esquites

The final contenders will pitch their products on October 8 at H-E-B's headquarters in San Antonio, where judges will determine the top four winning products and award $50,000 to the Grand Prize winner and the "Texas Best" title — an honor that guarantees placement on H-E-B store shelves.

The first-place winner will receive $25,000, the second-place winner will receive $15,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.

Since 2014, H-E-B has handed out nearly $2.75 million in prize money to Texas entrepreneurs. But Quest for Texas Best isn’t just about capital: the winners receive marketing, mentoring, and supplemental support to grow their brands. Fifty-five Texas small businesses that took part in the contest have achieved $1 million in sales and earned a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle.

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