Benjy Mason is a Houston-based hospitality entrepreneur and founder of neighborhood-driven concepts including Johnny’s Gold Brick, Winnie’s, Starduster Lounge, and Shredders Pizza.

He started in the industry as a dishwasher and has held positions from Head Chef to Operations Manager before becoming an owner. He builds neighborhood spots that deliver serious food and drink without the pretense—spaces that are welcoming and fun, culturally engaged, and quietly obsessive about the details.

He sees restaurants and bars as community spaces as much as businesses—places where creativity, collaboration, and hospitality overlap. His projects frequently work with local artists, chefs, and organizations to create experiences that feel unique and reflective of the communities they serve.

Originally from Vermont, he has lived in Houston since 2002 and now considers himself mostly Texan. He is married to artist Katrina Moorhead, and they live in the Heights with their two children, where he is usually chasing a new creative obsession.