Michelin announced on Wednesday that it would begin reviewing restaurants in Texas, giving the state a huge opportunity to shine in the global culinary spotlight.
As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the Michelin Guide for Texas will include Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This decision comes after years of speculation about Michelin’s potential move into the state.
The Michelin Guide, known globally as the pinnacle of restaurant ratings, awards stars to the best and brightest restaurants. Michelin inspectors, who operate anonymously, also recognize sustainability with Green Stars and simpler, affordable dining with the Bib Gourmand.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides said Texas is “a perfect fit for the Michelin Guide.”
“The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients and talent that is rich in ambition,” he said.
Michelin’s entry into Texas is expected to boost tourism, as a 2019 study showed that 61% of frequent travelers use the Michelin Guide to help them choose destinations. Restaurants that receive a Michelin star typically see increased customer interest, benefiting from the guide’s prestigious recognition.
“Finally: We’re going to be able to compete with New York, San Francisco, Chicago and all the other cities that have Michelin,” Dean Fearing, owner of Fearing’s in the Ritz-Carlton in Uptown Dallas told the News.
The Michelin Guide Texas is expected to be released later in 2024, with inspectors having already begun their evaluations.
Ultimately, Michelin’s presence in Texas is a validation of the hard work and creativity of the state’s chefs, and could cement the state’s position as one of the best places for food in the U.S.