The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation (FWFWF) has launched a new award named for a leading figure in the restaurant industry. Called the Kirkpatrick Visionary Award, it’s created in honor of FWFWF co-founder and board chair emeritus Russell Kirkpatrick, celebrating his impact on Fort Worth’s culinary community.

The award will provide grants of up to $5,000 to culinary professionals, artisans, producers, and entrepreneurs across North Texas whose projects strengthen their businesses and the broader hospitality community.

Known for his nearly two decades at Reata, his current role as Director of Operations at From Scratch Hospitality, and as one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, Kirkpatrick has long been regarded as one of the most beloved figures in Fort Worth’s restaurant landscape. Throughout his career, Kirkpatrick has uplifted chefs, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

Applications for the award open September 1, 2025, and close October 31, 2025, with recipients to be notified by January 2026. Applications and full program details are available now at fwfwf.org.

Each award will be chosen by a selection committee of North Texas business leaders. The inaugural committee is comprised of Marcelle LeBlanc (Velvet Box), Joey Turner (Brewed, Daymakers), Maurice Ahern (Gold Ribbon Confections/Grounds & Gold), Tina Howard (Leaves Bakery and Books), and Hao Tran (Hao’s Grocery & Café).

“The Foundation was built on Russell’s vision: that Fort Worth’s culinary talent deserved a stage, and that the funds raised could go right back into growing that community,” says FWFWS executive director Julie Eastman, Executive Director of FWFWF. “This Fund is an extension of that same mission — to champion, cultivate, and celebrate the people shaping the future of the North Texas hospitality industry.”

To date, the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation has invested $613,000.00 back into the community through culinary scholarships, classroom grants, chef stipends, emergency relief funds, partnerships with organizations like Southern Smoke Foundation, and now, the Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund.