TRA's CMO selected as international judge for World Tapas Championship in Spain

Texas Restaurant Association's Tony Abruscato selected as international judge for World Tapas Championship in Spain
TRA chief marketing officer to represent Texas restaurant industry on prestigious international culinary jury in Valladolid, Spain

AUSTIN, Texas -The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) is proud to announce that Tony Abruscato, the association's chief marketing officer, has been selected to serve as an international jury member for the 10th World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain, this November. The prestigious culinary competition brings together exceptional chefs representing 16 countries to showcase their creativity, technical expertise and interpretations of one of Spain's most celebrated culinary traditions.

Abruscato will join an accomplished panel of international culinary professionals and industry leaders tasked with evaluating some of the world's most innovative tapas creations. His selection places the Texas Restaurant Association on an international stage and underscores the growing connections between Texas hospitality and the global culinary community.

"Being selected to serve on the jury of the World Tapas Championship is an incredible honor," Abruscato said. "Food has an extraordinary ability to connect people, cultures and communities. I look forward to experiencing the creativity and talent of chefs from around the world, sharing perspectives with fellow jury members and proudly representing the Texas restaurant industry at this remarkable international event."

"We are incredibly proud of Tony and this well-deserved international recognition," Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said. "Tony has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the Texas Restaurant Show, creating new opportunities to connect our industry with culinary talent and innovation from around the world. His selection to this prestigious jury reflects both his passion for our industry and TRA's commitment to elevating Texas hospitality on the global stage."

The championship, held in Valladolid, Spain, has become a celebrated international showcase for culinary innovation, attracting chefs whose creations combine regional ingredients, traditional techniques and contemporary interpretations of tapas. The competition highlights the artistry and cultural significance of small-plate cuisine while fostering international collaboration and culinary exchange.

Abruscato's participation comes at an especially exciting time for TRA, which is expanding its engagement with the international culinary community through the Lone Star Tapas Showdown, the sanctioned U.S. Championship of the World Tapas Competition. The national competition will take place during the 90th Texas Restaurant Show, July 11-12, 2027, in San Antonio, bringing talented chefs from across the United States together to compete for the opportunity to represent the country at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid.

"This is about more than a culinary competition," Abruscato added. "It's an opportunity to build relationships, celebrate culinary excellence, and create a pathway for talented American chefs to showcase their skills on a global stage. Bringing the U.S. Championship to the Texas Restaurant Show is a tremendous opportunity to connect our industry with the international culinary community."

As TRA prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Texas Restaurant Show, the association continues to elevate the event's national profile through new culinary experiences, strategic partnerships, and opportunities that connect restaurant professionals with emerging trends and global perspectives.