A second course of food, culture, and impact is on the menu in Grand Prairie this fall.

Shef Food + Wine returns October 24–26, curated once again by chef Tiffany Derry and hospitality entrepreneur Tom Foley of T2D Concepts. The three-day event features nationally known chefs, immersive tastings, and purpose-driven programming that spotlights food as a force for good.

“We’re bringing together some of the best chefs in the industry to celebrate great food while creating real, lasting impact in our community,” said Derry, a culinary powerhouse who rose to national fame on Top Chef and has appeared in more than 160 episodes of food-focused television.

Foley and Derry co-founded T2D Concepts in 2016, a hospitality group focused on social impact. Known for owning and operating the restaurants Roots Chicken Shak and Roots Southern Table, they seek to create opportunities for women and minorities in the restaurant industry. For example, the franchise model for Roots Chicken Shak aims to empower marginalized communities.

The Grand Tasting—an open-air culinary experience where guests sample dishes from top chefs around the country— is a centerpiece of the event. [Photo: Shef F+W]

What to expect at Shef F+W

The festivities kick off Friday, Oct. 24, with a Restaurant Takeover at Radici Wood Fired Grill, a four-course dinner featuring guest chefs. Another Friday highlight: a Wine and Whiskey Tasting paired with an impact-driven panel discussion led by Robin McBride and Fawn Weaver. The evening wraps with an After Party for guests and chefs to toast the weekend.

“Shef F+W is back and better than ever—packed with flavor, fun, and a purpose,” Foley said.

Saturday starts with a Pickleball Tournament, then flows into a day of tastings, sips, and storytelling sessions—from expertly crafted cocktails to standout wines.

A sparkling toast is poured during the Mimosas & Matinée session in 2024.

Culinary talent highlights for 2025

• Kwame Onwuachi – James Beard Award winner, author, and chef at Tatiana

• Duff Goldman – Chef and TV personality

• Angelo Sosa – Chef and author

• Erick Williams – James Beard Award-winning chef

• Silvia Barban – Top Chef competitor and restaurateur

• Tavel Bristol-Joseph – Top Chef competitor and restaurateur

• Arnold Myint – Chef-owner and restaurateur

• Tristen Epps-Long – Top Chef Season 22 winner

• Kevin Bludso – Award-winning chef and restaurateur

• Saeng Douangdara – Personal chef and content creator

• Michael Voltaggio – Chef and TV personality

• Marcus Davis – Chef

• Dawn Burrell – Top Chef finalist

Guest chefs smile in the kitchen at Radici Wood Fired Grill during last year’s Restaurant Takeover, an exclusive dinner experience.

Purpose with every plate

As with its inaugural year, Shef Food + Wine will continue its partnership with the Texas Restaurant Foundation to support RECIPE, the workforce development platform created by T2D Concepts to provide hospitality workers with mentorship and educational opportunities.

The festival also will award scholarships to aspiring culinary students from the Dallas area, reinforcing T2D’s mission to use hospitality as a tool for empowerment.

A Shef showcase

The event draws national culinary talent to North Texas for a weekend of food, culture, and impact. Photos provided by Shef F+W. Here are scenes from the 2024 event.

Chef Tiffany Derry at last year’s event. [Photo: Shef F+W]

Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark prepares tasting plates at the Grand Tasting.

Guests enjoy sunset sips and bites at Shef Food + Wine in Grand Prairie. The Grand Tasting is the festival’s culinary centerpiece, bringing together top chefs and food lovers in a vibrant, open-air setting. [Photo: Shef F+W]

Tiffany Derry brought chefs and guests together for a little friendly competition during the Shef F+W Pickleball Tournament with her signature energy.

Guests also sampled selections from Uncle Nearest and Nearest Green.

The Restaurant Takeover menu featured multiple courses by renowned chefs, including Michael Voltaggio and Dawn Burrell.

A bright first course—ceviche by Chef Tiffany Derry—was one of several chef-crafted dishes served during the Restaurant Takeover dinner at Radici Wood Fired Grill.

Culinary talent from around the country took the stage at the 2024 Grand Tasting.

Quincy Preston contributed to this report.

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