The Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation has been named a 2026 Impact Award honoree by the James Beard Foundation this week, recognizing its work supporting food and beverage workers across the country.

Southern Smoke holds a festival each year that hosts some of the industry’s most talented chefs and personalities, with the help from plenty of local chefs and establishments.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city of Houston announced a $250,000 donation to the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) Emergency Relief Fund for artists who were affected by the December fire at Winter Street Studios.