For corporate dinners, client entertainment, or brand activations, Austin’s chef-driven restaurants deliver a rare mix of prestige, storytelling, and unforgettable food. Celebrity Chef Network helps companies bring these experiences to life, pairing the right venue with the right chef engagement to elevate any business event.
Austin’s dining scene hums with wood-smoke, artistry, and a whole lot of swagger. This city isn’t just home to rising tech empires and innovative brands. It is also where some of the most celebrated chefs in the country build culinary playgrounds that executive teams adore.
Below is a curated lineup of 10 standout chef-owned restaurants in Austin that shine for group dining.
Top Celebrity Chef-Owned Restaurants in Austin
Franklin Barbeque – Aaron Franklin
Downtown Austin
At Franklin Barbecue, James Beard Award–winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin elevates classic Texas barbecue into a legendary culinary experience. Known for its world-famous brisket and cult-following lines, Franklin offers an authentic Austin atmosphere perfect for brands looking to tap into local culture and craft.
Full or partial buyouts allow corporate groups to savor the experience without the wait — with flexible options for standing receptions or seated gatherings. Partner with CCN to secure special access: from pit tours and chef meet-and-greets to customized menu storytelling that aligns your brand with Austin’s most iconic smokehouse.
Hestia – Chef Kevin Fink
Downtown Austin
Live-fire dining takes center stage at Hestia, where Kevin Fink crafts modern plates kissed by the hearth. Full restaurant buyouts accommodate up to ~150 standing or ~82 seated, ideal for corporate groups needing scale without losing exclusivity.
A private dinner here becomes elevated even further when CCN helps secure a chef appearance, custom storytelling through the menu, or introductions tied to your brand purpose.
Emmer & Rye – Chef Kevin Fink
Rainey Street District
Celebrated for milling heritage grains in-house and its farm-driven ethos, Emmer & Rye sets the tone for brands that prioritize sustainability and craftsmanship. The restaurant can host ~65 seated or ~150 standing for a full buyout.
Imagine guests enjoying a curated tasting reflecting your company’s values, followed by a quick hello from the chef.
Uchi + Uchiko – Chef Tyson Cole
South Lamar + North Lamar
James Beard Award recipient Tyson Cole’s Japanese tasting menus feel like a masterclass in flavor. Uchiko offers private rooms for up to ~30 guests, perfect for intimate executive gatherings or premium client dinners.
CCN often layers in touches like omakase-style storytelling, chef introductions, or custom menu experiences that position your brand as the hero.
Franklin Barbecue – Chef Aaron Franklin
East Austin
Texas icon. Line-worthy legend. When Aaron Franklin cooks brisket, business decisions taste better.
With a new event space available, Franklin Barbecue becomes a prime venue for more casual yet prestigious gatherings: consumer brand releases, networking nights, or leadership celebrations.
Keep it interactive with live carving, chef Q&A, and photo moments.
Kalimotxo – Chef Kevin Fink + Tavel Bristol-Joseph
Downtown Austin
A lively Spanish lounge vibe featuring pintxos, craft cocktails, and impeccable hospitality. Semi-private spaces help teams break bread more casually while still enjoying award-winning culinary execution.
Perfect for receptions with brand integrations, tapas stations, and storytelling bites.
Canje – Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph
East Austin
A vibrant love letter to Caribbean flavors from one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs. Canje provides an energetic backdrop for brands seeking cultural richness and personality.
CCN can secure custom group menus, a dessert-driven finale, or a chef interaction that turns the night into a memory.
Ciclo – Chef Richard Sandoval
Four Seasons Austin | Lady Bird Lake
Upscale comfort meets modern Latin flair under Chef Sandoval’s globally recognized culinary umbrella. Private rooms host up to ~14 guests each, ideal for premium board dinners or small client negotiations.
Ciclo allows for polished dining plus seamless AV, branding, and chef appearances coordinated through CCN.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen – Chef Jack Gilmore
Multiple Austin locations
Seasonal Southern comfort with Austin attitude. Group-friendly layouts and private rooms suit 30-60 person corporate dinners in a more laid-back format.
Brands love pairing chef intros with welcoming cocktails, Texas-style hospitality, and product-integration moments.
Chef Paul Qui Experiences
Private venues / Mobile food station options
“Top Chef” winner Paul Qui offers incredible culinary versatility, from elevated private dinners to edgy casual food-truck-style activations.
Through CCN, companies build unique brand experiences such as chef-guided tastings, signature dish collaborations, and social-content-ready activations.
Benefits of Booking Through Celebrity Chef Network
- Curated Venues perfectly aligned with guest count and event objectives
- Custom-built experiences including chef talks, demos, or culinary challenges
- Brand integration through storytelling menus and specialized activations
- Turnkey planning from food & beverage minimums to AV and décor
Corporate dining becomes more than a meal. It becomes a strategy.
Popular Add-On Experiences
- Signature cooking demo + tasting
• Chef-led team challenge
• Brand-story tasting menu
• Wine or cocktail pairing dinner
• Behind-the-scenes kitchen tour
• Signed menus and photo ops
These touches create connection, excitement, and an environment where business relationships deepen.
Ready to Host Your Austin Event?
Austin’s culinary talent thrives on innovation, hospitality, and storytelling. Pair those strengths with your event goals, and you create an unforgettable night for executives, clients, and brand partners.
Celebrity Chef Network’s expert booking agents can handle it all no matter what the budget or number of attendees are, our staff will make your event a priority. Contact Celebrity Chef Network to start planning your next chef-driven corporate dinner in Austin, or wherever your business takes you.
Celebrity Chef Network is the #1 agency for assisting companies, brands, and events in last-minute bookings. If your event was somehow affected by a talent cancellation or change of venue, let our booking agents know immediately, and we will help you through this very stressful time.