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Are restaurant influencers changing where Texans eat? Host Kristie Ramirez explores the future of Texas food media, restaurant culture, and the forces shaping dining across the Lone Star State.
Influencers can fill a dining room overnight, but can they earn lasting trust? In this episode, Kristie Ramirez and food journalist Courtney E. Smith unpack the changing relationship between restaurant influencers, traditional food journalism, and the business of dining in Texas. They explore why restaurants increasingly value measurable results from social media while editorial coverage continues to shape long term reputation, industry recognition, and consumer confidence.
The conversation travels beyond headlines and into the restaurants that define Texas. Courtney shares the story of Jerry’s Cafe in Onalaska near Lake Livingston, where honey yeast rolls, purple hull peas, and legendary chicken fried steak have made the restaurant a destination worth the drive. It is a reminder that some of the state’s most memorable meals are still found far from the major cities.
Kristie and Courtney also examine the biggest food trends shaping Texas today, including the growing appreciation for Indigenous cuisine, changing dining habits driven by rising food costs, and the shift toward smaller shared plates. They discuss how restaurants are balancing tradition, sustainability, and changing consumer expectations while preserving the stories behind the food.
The episode also explores what diners should pay attention to beyond the menu. Who owns the restaurant? How are employees treated? Are businesses investing in their communities? The conversation highlights why supporting independent restaurants and understanding where your dollars go has become part of the modern dining experience.
Plus, learn why food truck regulations still vary across Texas, how statewide licensing has changed opportunities for entrepreneurs, and why food trucks remain one of the most important entry points into the restaurant industry.
If you love Texas restaurants, food culture, travel, and the stories behind the people shaping the state’s culinary future, subscribe to FRONT OF BOOK TEXAS, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves discovering the very best of Texas.

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FOB TEXAS A Podcast Where Texas Culture Gets Loud

Georgianna Moreland | Executive Producer A Landmore Media Production