Support Food + Beverage Workers Affected by the Texas Hill Country Floods

Our hearts are with everyone in the Texas Hill Country.

Southern Smoke provides financial relief during the recovery phase of disasters. We’ve committed $150,000 to support affected F+B workers and are prepared to do more. Sysco will match up to $15,000 in donations to amplify our impact.

The Hill Country Relief Fund application will open August 15. For urgent needs like medical or funeral expenses, F+B workers can apply now through our existing relief fund. Our Behind You program also offers no cost counseling to F+B workers.

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Stephen
Chef Image
Conklin
Houston, TX /
Uchi
WHERE WILL I BE COOKING:

Stephen Conklin joined the Hai Hospitality family in 2022 as Chef de Cuisine at Uchi Houston, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as Executive Chef at both Café Leonelli and La Table. A double graduate of Utah State University, Stephen holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Finance, alongside a Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Stephen honed his craft in some of New York City’s most prestigious kitchens, including Le Bernardin, Irving Mill, and La Grenouille. He later served as chef de cuisine at Leonelli and Lincoln Restaurant, cementing his reputation over 13 years in the city’s vibrant culinary scene. In 2019, Stephen relocated to Houston, Texas, where he continues to showcase his passion and expertise at the helm of Uchi Houston’s kitchen.