Supporting entrepreneurs and innovative women in the culinary arts by showcasing the Austin area’s top chefs and bartenders while benefiting The Junior League of Austin (JLA)

Now in its ninth year, Austin Entertains serves as a cornerstone for The Junior League of Austin’s mission-driven fundraising efforts, showcasing women in the vibrant culinary scene of Austin while raising vital funds for JLA’s Signature Impact Programs, including Food In Tummies (FIT), a program dedicated to eliminating weekend hunger for children in the Austin community. On March 6, 2025, we were able to raise more than $100,000 for these programs.

Highlights:

• A full house and line up of 36 unique participants, 25 beverage sponsors, and more than 20 VIP swag bag donors.
• Winners of Austin Entertains’ annual Culinary Fellowship: 
  • The first place fellowship award of $10,000 was presented to Kendall Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.
  • The runner-up award of $2,500 was presented to Sushmita Malakar of Sushmita Malakar Mobile Bartending. 
  • The professional services package, valued at more than  $7,500, was awarded to Tara Godby of Teakeasy. 

Guests helped award additional prizes through on-site fan favorite voting. The winners were Enma Lopez of ABW-Cantina for Best Savory Bite, Patricia Bedford with Suga’s Cakery for Best Sweet Bite, and Naijean Bernard of Jeany’s Caribbean Elixirs for the Best Sip.

Thank you to all who attended and supported our event. Click the image above to explore the Austin Entertains 2025 Where to Buy Guide. 

Austin Entertains is not just a culinary event; it’s a celebration of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in the culinary arts. We can’t wait to see you for next year’s event on March 5, 2026!

Photos from Austin Entertains 2025: