Texas Restaurant Association Announces 2026 Hall of Honor Inductees

 Highest honor recognizes industry leaders for their lifetime contributions to Texas restaurants and the association

This year's inductees are Robert and Laurie Lozano of Food & People Brands, McAllen, Walter "Tap" Bentz of Another Broken Egg Cafe, College Station and Jerry Walker of Conference Hospitality Group (retired), Dallas.

The Hall of Honor is the highest distinction bestowed by the TRA. Each year, the association recognizes industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the restaurant community while demonstrating a long-standing commitment to TRA, its members and the future of the industry.

"The Hall of Honor is reserved for individuals whose impact can be felt across generations of Texas restaurants," Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said. "Through their leadership, mentorship, advocacy and service, this year's inductees have strengthened our industry, supported restaurant professionals and helped create opportunities for future generations. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary contributions and celebrate the legacies they continue to build."

The Hall of Honor is a long-standing Texas Restaurant Association tradition that recognizes industry leaders nominated by their peers for their lasting contributions to Texas restaurants and the association. Inductees must have at least 15 years of TRA membership, demonstrate superior business ethics and show a sustained commitment to advancing the industry and supporting fellow members.

"What makes the Hall of Honor special is that these inductees are selected by the people who know this industry best: their peers," Tony Abruscato, chief marketing officer of the Texas Restaurant Association, said. "Robert and Laurie, Tap and Jerry have each contributed to the success of Texas restaurants in different ways, but they share a common commitment to serving others, strengthening their communities and investing in the future of our industry. Their impact will continue to be felt for years to come."

The 2026 Hall of Honor inductees will be recognized Sunday, July 12, at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio during the Texas Restaurant Awards, held as part of the Texas Restaurant Show, presented by Eat Local. Eat Often.

For more information about the Texas Restaurant Awards and Texas Restaurant Show, visit txrestaurantshow.com.

About the honorees

Robert and Laurie Lozano
For more than four decades, Robert and Laurie Lozano have helped shape hospitality in the Rio Grande Valley through their leadership of Food & People Brands. In addition to building a respected restaurant organization, the Lozanos have remained deeply committed to supporting employees, restaurant operators and hospitality professionals throughout South Texas. Longtime supporters of the Texas Restaurant Association and active members of the Rio Grande Valley chapter, they are recognized for their investment in people, local businesses and community service.

Walter "Tap" Bentz
For more than 25 years, Walter "Tap" Bentz has served as a leader, advocate and ambassador for Texas restaurants. A longtime member of the Brazos Valley chapter, Bentz has held leadership roles at every level of the Texas Restaurant Association, including chapter president, chairman of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, TRA board member and president of the Texas Restaurant Association. Throughout his career, he has championed workforce development, industry education and community engagement while mentoring restaurant operators across Texas.

Jerry Walker
Jerry Walker's career reflects more than three decades of leadership, advocacy, education and service to the restaurant industry. A former president of the Texas Restaurant Association, Walker has also served as treasurer, second vice president, chairman of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation and chairman of the Political Action Committee. As president of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the TRA, founder of Conference Hospitality Group and an award-winning culinary educator, he has helped strengthen the industry's legislative voice while advancing workforce development, student mentorship and hospitality education.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT SHOW
The Texas Restaurant Show, presented by Eat Local. Eat Often. is the Texas Restaurant Association’s annual restaurant and foodservice expo. The largest event of its kind in the Southwest, it features cutting-edge exhibits, educational panels, and interactive experiences designed to help businesses thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Backed by 88 years of industry leadership, the Show is a must-attend event for restaurant operators, chefs, and foodservice professionals. For more information, visit www.texasrestaurantshow.com.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) serves as the leading advocate and resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. Representing the state’s $138 billion restaurant industry and its 57,000+ locations, the TRA works to protect, advance, and educate the industry’s 1.4 million employees. Alongside the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the TRA continues to drive growth and innovation in the hospitality sector. For more information, visit www.txrestaurant.org.