TRA names longtime Houston restaurateur Mike Shine as its next executive director

TRA Names Longtime Houston Restaurateur Mike Shine as its Next Executive Director

The nation's second-largest restaurant association deepens its investment in Houston with proven leader at the helm of regional chapter HOUSTON, TX (May 23, 2025) - The Texas Restaurant Association has named longtime board member and Houston restaurateur Mike Shine as the next executive director of its Greater Houston Chapter. Shine has served as interim director for the past six months and brings more than 40 years of industry experience, including over 30 years with the TRA as a chapter member and board leader. Shine's appointment reflects the association's strategic investment in the region and its commitment to ensuring restaurants have the advocacy, resources and support they need to thrive. "Houston is home to some of the most dynamic and diverse restaurants in the country," Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said. "Mike's leadership keeps us closely connected to the needs of this vital region while strengthening our reach across Texas. His deep experience as both an operator and industry advocate positions us to deliver bold, forward-thinking solutions that help restaurants succeed at every level." Shine founded Texas Food Group, where he led the development of hundreds of restaurant concepts across Texas and the U.S. In 2019, the Texas Restaurant Association inducted him into its Hall of Honor for his contributions to the industry. He also served as president of the Houston Chapter. "I've spent my entire career in restaurants and there's no place like Houston," Mike Shine, incoming executive director of the Texas Restaurant Association Greater Houston Chapter, said. "This community is resilient, creative and committed to excellence. Our restaurants reflect the diversity and drive of the people who power this city. I'm honored to step into this role and look forward to strengthening the support, resources and advocacy our members need to recover, grow and thrive in a rapidly changing industry." Shine's appointment supports the association's strategy to strengthen regional chapters and expand connections across Texas. In this role, he will provide operational guidance, support workforce development, lead policy advocacy and foster community partnerships for local restaurant owners. For more information, visit txrestaurant.org. ABOUT MIKE SHINE With over four decades of leadership experience in the hospitality and foodservice industries, Mike Shine brings a deep understanding of operations, strategic growth, and community engagement to his new role. A Houston native and trusted industry voice, he has held senior leadership positions across regional and national restaurant brands, driving expansion, operational excellence and stakeholder alignment. Shine's passion for supporting local businesses and amplifying the voice of restaurant operators makes him a powerful addition to the TRA's leadership team. ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state's $138 billion restaurant industry, encompassing more than 57,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 88th year. For more information, please visit https://www.txrestaurant.org.