Houston’s restaurant community took home two prizes at the 2025 Texas Restaurant Awards. Held July 20, the awards are part of the Texas Restaurant Association's annual Texas Restaurant Show.
George Christie, the owner of Houston restaurant Christie’s Seafood & Steaks, was inducted into the Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor. Considered the organization’s highest award, it recognizes people who “exemplify superior business ethics” and have contributed to both their local chapter and the statewide organization.
At 108 years old, Christie’s touts itself as Houston’s oldest restaurant. George Christie is a link in a three-generation chain of family ownership. He has also served as a past president of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association and as a board member of the TRA.
Also representing greater Houston, Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue owners Greg Moore, Scott Moore, and Michelle Holland received the Deep in the Heart award, which is designated for restaurants outside the immediate metro areas of Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. The Tomball restaurant also earned a Bib Gourmand designation in the Michelin Guide and an honorable mention in Texas Monthly’s 2025 list of the state’s top 50 barbecue joints.
“The Texas Restaurant Awards honor the visionaries who bring communities together to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments and work together to rebuild after disaster strikes,” Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said in a statement. “From birthdays and anniversaries to providing a hot meal to first responders, restaurants are at the center of our lives, and these honorees represent the best of what Texas has to offer. Their creativity, grit and leadership push our industry forward and strengthen our state’s growing economy.”
The awards are part of a trade show that draws over 6,000 attendees and 450 vendor booths from across the country and around the world. According to TRA, Texas is home to more than 57,000 restaurants and employs more than 1.4 million people.
Here is a full list of the night’s winners.
Hall of Honor Inductees
- George Christie, Christie's Seafood & Steaks, Houston, TX
- Cathy Painter Cace, Cace’s Kitchen/Johnny Cace’s, Longview, TX
Courtesy of Texas Restaurant Association
George Christie and the Christie Family (Christie's Seafood and Steaks), Emily Williams Knight, Chris Aslam.
Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year: Allison & Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Hospitality Group, San Antonio, TX
Community Impact Award: Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs, Portsmouth, VA
Excellence in Journalism Award: Alicia Kelso, Nation’s Restaurant News
Rising Star Award: Deborah Williamson, James Provisions, Hurst, TX
Deep in the Heart Award: Scott Moore, Greg Moore and Michelle Holland, Tejas Chocolate & Barbeque, Tomball, TX
Chef Tim Kelly Award for Educator Excellence: Chef Carlos Ramos, Milby High School, Houston Independent School District
Outstanding Partner of the Year: Ben E. Keith Foods, Fort Worth, TX
Restaurant Industry Champion Award: Kelly Hancock, former Texas state senator and acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Carmelo Mauro Spirit of Generosity Award: Andy Merrett, Raising Cane’s, Director of Restaurant Recruiting
Skeeter Miller Excellence in Advocacy Award: Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, San Antonio, TX
