Houston’s culinary scene is more than great food—it’s a powerful engine of culture, community, and economic opportunity. Yet behind the buzz of packed dining rooms and food-truck fame lies a hard truth: nine out of ten culinary businesses are small, and many are fighting rising food costs, limited access to capital, workforce shortages, and shifting consumer habits.

That’s where the Feed the Soul Foundation steps in—once again—bringing solutions, strategy, and serious inspiration to the table.

From Sunday, January 25 through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Feed the Soul Foundation will host its Third Annual Global Culinary Conference at Rice University’s Anderson-Clarke Center, transforming Houston into a national hub for culinary entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth.

A Boost Camp for the Business of Food 🍽

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a three-day business “Boost Camp” and Launchpad designed to help chefs, restaurateurs, food truck operators, caterers, and hospitality leaders sharpen their operations and scale with confidence.

According to Feed the Soul Foundation’s State of Small Culinary Businesses Industry Report, small culinary businesses are critical entry points for economic mobility, neighborhood revitalization, and local wealth creation. Yet more than 60% of owners say sustainability and legacy are at risk due to rising rents, demographic shifts, and insufficient systemic support.

The Global Culinary Conference tackles those challenges head-on with practical tools, real-world insight, and community-powered solutions.

What Attendees Can Expect

With partners including Sysco, Sysco To Go, Tower Insurance, Black Restaurant Week, and Latin Restaurant Weeks, the conference delivers actionable education—not theory.

 Powerhouse Keynotes & Conversations

• From a Nashville Garage to a National Brand
  Founders of Slim + Husky’s Pizza Beeria share real lessons on scaling, culture, and purpose-driven growth.
• Breaking the Mold: Redefining Fine Dining
  Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast explores how blending cultures, creativity, and customer experience can redefine success—and loyalty—in today’s market.

Hands-On Master Classes
Topics include:

• Navigating business financing
• Understanding franchise models
• Reducing food costs and waste through smarter supply strategies
• Menu engineering and digital traffic secrets in The Restaurant Profit Blueprint
•  Interactive Workshops & Breakouts
  Designed to build operational readiness, strengthen leadership skills, and turn passion into profit.
•  Networking, Happy Hours & Community Building
  Because collaboration—and the right connection—can change everything.
•  Complimentary Breakfast & Lunch Daily
  Fueling both minds and missions.

Attendees can choose full conference access, two-day tracks, or single-day passes, making it flexible for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Event Details at a Glance

DATES: Sunday, January 25 – Tuesday, January 27, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM – Breakfast & Registration • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Conference Sessions

LOCATION: Rice University – Anderson-Clarke Center • 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005

REGISTER: Global Culinary Conference 2026 | Feed the Soul Foundation

For Houston Style Magazine readers who believe food is both art and enterprise —

this is one conference worth circling on the calendar.