Tiffany Derry’s three-day festival returns to EpicCentral with 40-plus acclaimed chefs
Famed chef Tiffany Derry is bringing some serious culinary star power to Grand Prairie this fall, but SHEF Food + Wine is designed to do more than put celebrity chefs in front of hungry crowds. Now in its third year, the Oct. 9–11 festival at EpicCentral will bring together more than 40 chefs, including Carla Hall, Duff Goldman, Top Chef winner Tristen Epps-Long and Michael Voltaggio, alongside North Texas talent for three days of tastings, dinners and culinary events.
At the same time, part of the money raised will support scholarships, mentorship, workforce development and other opportunities for future hospitality professionals.
It’s a combination that gives Derry’s festival a purpose beyond building another major food weekend in North Texas.
More Than A Celebrity Chef Weekend
SHEF launched in 2024 with Derry and T2D Concepts co-founder Tom Foley bringing chefs including Carla Hall, Michael Voltaggio, Erick Williams and Kevin Bludso to Grand Prairie. The culinary-event landscape around North Texas has only grown since then. Events such as SAVOR in Frisco have similarly brought notable chefs together for large-scale food experiences.
What distinguishes SHEF’s mission is what organizers hope happens beyond the tastings. In partnership with nonprofit Roots Impact, a portion of festival proceeds is directed toward education, workforce development, mentorship, leadership training, scholarships and career advancement.
The effort is already visible in this year’s programming. SHEF and Roots Impact are accepting applications from culinary students for scholarships through Oct. 1, while an industry panel during the festival will bring hospitality professionals together for conversations about building careers in the business.
“This festival has always been about so much more than food and wine,” Derry said in an official statement. “It’s about bringing people together, celebrating our community and creating opportunities for the next generation of culinary talent to learn, connect and dream bigger.”
Photo: T2D Concepts
What To Expect
The weekend begins on Oct. 9, with the Sno Social at The Landing, a welcome reception and a restaurant takeover at Radici Wood Fired Grill featuring Derry alongside guest chefs.
Saturday brings the festival’s biggest lineup, including The First Bite spotlighting North Texas culinary talent, an industry panel and the marquee Grand Tasting. The weekend concludes Sunday, Oct. 11, with the SHEF Matinee.
The third annual SHEF Food + Wine takes place Oct. 9–11, 2026, at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie. Tickets and additional festival information are available through the official SHEF Food + Wine website.
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