Latin Restaurant Weeks Returns to Houston Celebrating Latin-Owned Culinary Businesses from July 7-21, 2023
For two-weeks, Houstonians can explore an array of new flavors from more than 10 Latin American countries
Latin Restaurant Weeks, the largest celebration of its kind, is set to return to Houston for its 5th year. From July 7 through July 21, the event will shine a spotlight on Latin chefs, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food trucks, and bakers across Greater Houston, providing them with a platform to showcase their unique offerings and share their stories with the community. Dozens of establishments are expected to participate and diners will have the opportunity to discover an array of new Latin American flavors.
As the Hispanic population in Houston continues to grow at 44.5 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latin Restaurant Weeks aims to celebrate the rich diversity of Latin American cuisine found within the city. From traditional favorites to modern and high-end selections, participants will offer special menu items, discounts, and sweet deals around town that represent the flavors of more than 10 Latin American countries.
Sponsored by Sysco in partnership with Feed The Soul Foundation, Latin Restaurant Weeks has been instrumental in elevating Latin-owned culinary businesses over the years, including renowned establishments like Andes Cafe, El Meson, Tacos Del Julio, and Gusto Gourmet, who will be participating once again. Diners can create their LRW wish lists to explore not only well-known Latin favorites, but also hidden gems and mom-and-pop shops who benefit from the increased visibility the two-week campaign brings.
“Each year brings a new level of excitement,” said Karinn Chavarria, co-founder of Latin Restaurant Weeks. “In five short years, we’ve grown tremendously, which means our LRW participants are experiencing growth too. Seeing them return, especially those who have been with us since year one, has been heartwarming because we know this mission is making a difference. We can see the impact in action. We are able to support these businesses through inflation, rising food costs, and the varying factors over the years that have affected the industry. This year, we’ll be able to double the impact with twice as many participants from last year where we’re expecting more than 100 to onboard.”
Diverse cuisines from Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, and Peru will be featured this year with more countries being added soon. This year also features an expanded lineup of businesses with food and beverage offerings, including new additions like new River Oaks hotspot Ojo de Agua, Space City Birria Tacos, Dominican soul food restaurant Comfort Foodies, vegan eatery Veegos, Cranky Carrot Juice Company, Big Owl Craft Brew House, and many more. Additionally, LRW’s big food and beverage tasting event ¡Sabor! which debuted in its inaugural year, will return to bring the Latin flavors of Houston to the community for the first time since 2019 after a long pause that stemmed from the pandemic. The event will take place during Hispanic Heritage Month with the date to be announced.
Committed to giving back to the community, Latin Restaurant Weeks reached a significant milestone by granting $40,000 in grants to Feed The Soul Foundation participants and cohorts. LRW is an arm of the nonprofit organization, which supports marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary industry by providing business development resources, scholarship opportunities, and emergency funding. Four Houston-based, Latin-owned restaurants will be awarded $10,000 each to invest in a sector within their business.
“We are thrilled to partner with Latin Restaurant Weeks once again,” said Warren Luckett, co-founder of Feed The Soul Foundation. “Through our collaboration last year, we were able to provide LRW participants with invaluable support in areas such as brand development, operating procedures, and business expansion. Latin Restaurant Weeks goes beyond being a marketing vehicle; it fosters connections for restaurateurs, granting them access to vital resources, industry experts, and financial assistance opportunities.”
Latin Restaurant Weeks offers an online platform that showcases each business, highlighting their stories, history, and unique flavors that they bring to the table. Businesses interested in participating this year can choose to join free of charge or at a premium level of $250.
The event promises to be an exciting celebration of Latin cuisine and a wonderful opportunity to discover the diverse culinary offerings Houston has to offer. For more information and updates, join the event Facebook page or visit the website.
Featured photo by Belen