Dallas‑Fort Worth’s culinary nonprofit Piehole Project is moving beyond its signature pie auction to launch new initiatives that support both seasoned chefs and emerging talent. After five years of raising more than $60,000 through one‑of‑a‑kind pies crafted by local chefs, the organization is adding mentorship, awards and community‑building events to its portfolio.
New mentorship program connects chefs with rising talent
The flagship “Rising Stagiaire” program pairs aspiring culinary professionals with experienced DFW chefs for paid stages—hands‑on training periods in professional kitchens. Participating chefs select promising candidates, provide mentorship, and help fund the trainees’ expenses, creating a pipeline for the next generation of culinary leaders.
Chef‑led awards celebrate peer excellence
On Oct. 12, the organization hosted “The Cheffies: Chef’s Choice Awards” at The Village Country Club in Dallas. Unlike traditional restaurant awards, The Cheffies allow chefs to nominate and recognize their peers, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration within the regional food scene.
Family Meal Hangs slated for 2027
Looking ahead, Piehole Project plans to introduce “Family Meal Hangs” in 2027. These informal gatherings will give local chefs a chance to connect, share experiences and build relationships outside the kitchen, strengthening the community fabric that the nonprofit seeks to nurture.
Sixth annual pie auction returns this November
The original fundraiser returns for its sixth year, featuring 32 DFW chefs who will create unique pies available for online bidding. This year’s lineup includes Andrea Shackelford of Harvest at the Masonic, Toby Archibald of Quarter Acre, Eduardo Osorio of Meridian, Mike Matis of Fearing’s Restaurant, Matt McCallister of River Sing and Anastacia Quiñones‑Pittman of Oh Hi! Hospitality. The auction is scheduled to begin on Nov. 9, with the closing date still to be confirmed.
Impact and future outlook
Since its inception, the Piehole Project has raised more than $60,000, laying the financial groundwork for its expanded mission. By adding mentorship, peer‑recognition awards and community gatherings, the nonprofit aims to sustain a vibrant culinary ecosystem that benefits both chefs and the broader DFW public.
For details on the upcoming auction, participating chefs and the new programs, visit PieholeProject.org.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
