Chefs criticize Dallas restaurant conference where Gov. Greg Abbott is set to speak

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will deliver an address to the state’s restaurant industry next week as part of the Texas Restaurant Association’s annual conference, which is being hosted in Dallas this year.

The Texas Restaurant Show kicks off July 9 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Abbott will give the keynote speech there on July 11 — a matter that is stirring up backlash in the hospitality industry.

The Houston Chronicle reported that Houston chefs are criticizing the association for involving Abbott in the conference, with at least one chef backing out of catering one of the weekend’s events.

Victoria Elizondo, owner of Cochinita in Houston, told The Chronicle that she was scheduled to provide food for the TRA’s Lone Star Bash on July 10, but when she found out Abbott was part of the conference’s lineup, she withdrew from the event.

Elizondo said that, as an immigrant and recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), she didn’t want to participate, according to The Chronicle.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2022/07/08/chefs-criticize-dallas-restaurant-conference-where-gov-greg-abbott-is-set-to-speak/