HR1041 - Honoring Chef Johnny Hernandez of San Antonio.

      H.R. No. 1041       R E S O L U T I O N          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 Appétit , 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 Día 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