TITLE: Honoring Chef Johnny Hernandez of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: Honoring Chef Johnny Hernandez of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Acclaimed chef Johnny Hernandez has made vital contributions to the San Antonio community through his charitable endeavors and his dedication to promoting the culinary vitality of the Alamo City; and WHEREAS, Chef Hernandez first rose to prominence with the establishment of his flagship concept, La Gloria, in 2010, though he began his career as a chef in 1994, when he opened True Flavors Catering; he has continued to make a name for himself as the founder and president of Grupo La Gloria, a portfolio of signature restaurants and culinary projects that include several locations of La Gloria as well as Botanero Lounge, Burgerteca, and Tortilleria La Gloria; he has been featured in Texas Monthly,Bon App tit,and Food & Wine,among other publications, and on such popular television shows as Top Chef,Simply Ming,and Beat Bobby Flay;he was also invited to cook at the James Beard House in celebration of San Antonio's tricentennial and to serve as a guest chef for the White House Cinco de Mayo celebration in 2016; and WHEREAS, An integral part of the San Antonio restaurant scene, Chef Hernandez helped to establish the city's Culinary Task Force in 2015 and to secure San Antonio's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017; he is the founder of Kitchen Campus, a nonprofit organization that encourages students to pursue the culinary arts, and he gives generously of his time and talents in support of the Culinary Institute of America, St. Philip's College, and the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership; moreover, he played an instrumental role in securing a $250,000 grant to fund improvements to La Villita Arts Market, where he established the Market Days program; he also commissioned a 38.5-foot-tall Catrina statue that was erected in the market's Maverick Plaza, and the art piece is the tallest of its kind in the United States; and WHEREAS, Under Chef Hernandez's able leadership, Grupo La Gloria helps to organize an annual D a de los Muertos festival and river parade in San Antonio; established in 2019, the event has the distinction of being the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the country; in March 2025, Chef Hernandez hosted the 15th annual Paella Challenge, a cooking competition that mentors students in high school culinary programs across Texas; and WHEREAS, In addition to elevating San Antonio's place on the culinary map, Johnny Hernandez has benefited the community through his varied civic endeavors, and he has earned the admiration and appreciation of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commend Johnny Hernandez for his contributions to San Antonio and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Hernandez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Martinez Fischer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1041 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House