The Piehole Project returned for its third year in 2022, with an incredible lineup of top chefs and bakers from North Texas and, for the first time, Austin. From October 17 to 27, the virtual pie auction raised funds for the Chefs for Tomorrow Scholarship, benefiting students pursuing culinary education. This year’s event, themed “Celebrate the 80s,” was a nostalgic and delicious tribute to a decade of culinary and cultural change, and it didn’t disappoint.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Culinary Talent
This year, Piehole Project featured 39 chefs and bakers, including North Texas favorites like Katherine Clapner of Dude, Sweet Chocolate, John Tesar of Knife, and Junior Borges of Meridian. New to the event were 17 chefs from Austin, further expanding the reach of this fantastic initiative.
Some of the unique pies that graced the auction table included:
- John Tesar’s Caviar Pie: The Michelin Star-winning chef from Knife and Spoon channeled his New York roots with this retro creation, a savory pie that fits perfectly with the 80s theme.
- Justin Box’s Bourbon Pecan Pie: A rich and comforting twist on a Southern classic.
- Katherine Clapner’s Chocolate Silk Pie: A luxurious dessert that combined decadence with nostalgia.
Piehole Goes Big: Expanding to Austin and Beyond
For the first time, Piehole Project expanded beyond North Texas, with Austin chefs joining the pie-making fun. This addition brought even more flavor and competition to the event, and the pies from Austin’s culinary elite were met with excitement by bidders from across the state.
A Record-Breaking Year
The 2022 Piehole Project surpassed all expectations, raising an incredible $40,000 for the Chefs for Tomorrow Scholarship. This amount is a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the growing support for the event and the mission behind it. Since its inception in 2020, Piehole Project has raised and donated more than $70,000, supporting culinary students at institutions like Dallas College, Collin College, and Johnson & Wales.
Why This Matters: Supporting the Next Generation of Chefs
The funds raised through the Piehole Project go directly to the Chefs for Tomorrow Scholarship, which provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in the culinary arts. These scholarships offer a lifeline to aspiring chefs, many of whom would not have the opportunity to attend culinary school without financial support.
Le Bich Ngoc Vo, a scholarship recipient, shared her story: “Receiving this scholarship allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a pastry chef. Without it, I would never have been able to afford culinary school, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow.”
Looking Ahead
With 2022 marking the most successful year yet, Piehole Project founders Alison Matis and Cheryl Weis are already looking toward the future. “We’re thrilled with how much we’ve been able to raise for students through this event,” said Matis. “Expanding into Austin this year was a big step, and we’re excited to continue growing and finding new ways to support the next generation of chefs.”
As we gear up for 2023 and beyond, Piehole Project will continue to evolve, bringing more chefs, more pies, and more opportunities to make a difference in the culinary community. Stay tuned for more details on next year’s event and how you can get involved!
How to Get Involved
To apply for the Chefs for Tomorrow Scholarship, visit [URL]. For more information about FestEvents Foundation and how you can support workforce development in the restaurant industry, visit https://festeventsgroup.com.
