Chris Shepherd, the James Beard Award winning chef who led the Underbelly Hospitality Group, has announced his departure from the organization, where he served as Chef and Co-owner. ABC 13 initially broke this story.
Underbelly Hospitality operates four different concepts, all in Houston: Georgia James, Underbelly Burger, GJ Tavern, and Wild Oats.
Shepherd said that he was departing the restaurant group in order to focus on the Southern Smoke Foundation, the nonprofit he helped establish to help restaurant workers in need.
Shepherd rebased a statement about his change in focus:
“We’ve done a lot in 10 years. It’s time for me to focus on smaller projects and dedicate more time to Southern Smoke. Underbelly Hospitality is in great hands with MLB Capital Partners and the team we have assembled over the last five years. They have provided tremendous support and have been instrumental in Underbelly Hospitality’s success.
I’ve put my heart and soul into these restaurants, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. I want to thank the entire Underbelly family for always being there, showing up, and giving it everything, always.
Southern Smoke is on a path that myself, Lindsey, and the whole team are very proud of, and it’s time to push that even further. We are about to hit $10 million in grants and we’re expanding the free mental health initiatives into five states within the next few months we plan to be in all 50 by 2028.
Thank you, Houston, for the past, present and future support. This is my home, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of us.
As I always say, Underbelly is no longer a restaurant it’s a way of life. Explore your surroundings. Learn about people, where they’re from, and how to dine at the same table. Learn from anyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, age, or gender. Understand that everyone has a story to tell. We are always learning. It’s time for me to learn a new chapter.”
TWTX.co wishes Chris great success in all his future endeavors.
