Culinary team from Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield, Texas, wins Ben E. Keith Culinary Competition
Velvet Taco, the fast-casual concept, won top honors during the seventh annual Food in Fashion benefit event Tuesday night, hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association.
The annual event, which featured 16 fashions created with restaurants paired with designers and constructed from at least 35% of items from within the foodservice facility, raised money for workforce development and education initiatives of the Texas Restaurant Foundation.
Velvet Taco teamed with Kishme for the tortilla-chip and menu design. Roots Southern Table in Farmers Branch, Texas, won second place with a design by Trúanjl Gift Co. The Peoples’ Choice award went to the Asian Mint and designer Ashley Nicole Stone.
“These events raise critical funds to support the work and mission of the Texas Restaurant Foundation to provide education and resources to the Texas hospitality industry,” said Corey Mobley, executive director of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, in a statement.
The fashion show was emceed by D’Andra Simmons, who participates on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Dallas,” and her husband, Jeremy Lock.
After the pandemic, the event was renewed in 2023.
Presented by EcoLab, the runway show drew more than 400 guests. Guests also enjoyed appetizers prepared by participating restaurants that included Jason’s Deli, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and others, drinks, and raffle packages.
The Ben E. Keith Culinary Cup trophy, which featured students in the ProStart Programs preparing appetizers, was awarded to Ben Barber Innovation Academy of Mansfield, Texas.
Other participating high schools included: Ranchview High School; Lancaster High School; Roosevelt High School; Skyline High School; Dan Dipert Career Technical; Cedar Hill High School; and Walnut Grove High School.
Other restaurants participating in the fashion show included: Bonton Farms; Breakfast Brothers; Cane Rosso; Freebirds World Burrito; Garden Café; Jason’s Deli; La Madelaine; Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar; The Pelican House Restaurant; St. Rocco’s New York Italian; and Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que.
The Texas Restaurant Association, founded in 1937, represents the state’s $95 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 55,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million.
Update June 26, 2024: This story has been updated with a revised list of restaurants participating in the fashion show.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
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