Southern Smoke Festival 2026 Tickets Are On Sale Now

Join us for an unforgettable experience of incredible food, drinks, and community on Saturday, October 3. This year, almost 100 celebrated chefs, beverage professionals, and hospitality visionaries will come together for an afternoon of world-class bites, libations, live music, immersive experiences, and more, all to raise critical funds for emergency relief and mental health support for food and beverage workers nationwide.

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Stephen
Chef Image
Conklin
Houston, TX /
Uchi
WHERE WILL I BE COOKING:

Stephen Conklin joined the Hai Hospitality family in 2022 as Chef de Cuisine at Uchi Houston, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as Executive Chef at both Café Leonelli and La Table. A double graduate of Utah State University, Stephen holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Finance, alongside a Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Stephen honed his craft in some of New York City’s most prestigious kitchens, including Le Bernardin, Irving Mill, and La Grenouille. He later served as chef de cuisine at Leonelli and Lincoln Restaurant, cementing his reputation over 13 years in the city’s vibrant culinary scene. In 2019, Stephen relocated to Houston, Texas, where he continues to showcase his passion and expertise at the helm of Uchi Houston’s kitchen.