Don't Tread on Me

Julie Soefer
Don't Tread on Me

Chris Cusack, 35, ended 2016 on a sour note with the uber-controversial and widely panned shuttering of his lauded Foreign Correspondents and neighboring bar Canard. But Cusack, who still has hot spots like Down House and Hunky Dory, is ready to take on 2017. He’s hosting bi-monthly restaurateur summits, and hopes that their discussions will help keep Houston in the national culinary spotlight. “For me, 2017 is a year of continuing to build and support the local restaurant community,” he says.


Can you spot the fake fact about him?

1. Cusack’s first job was, at age 11, in the kitchen of a restaurant owned by a relative. “Child labor laws be damned,” he laughs. “It was the ’90s.”

2. Cusack is a fan of body art and is known to encourage his employees to show off their ink at work. A favorite of his own tattoos? A Bob Dylan on his calf. “Not many people know I have that one,” he says.

3. He didn’t have to start shaving his face regularly until last year. “I would go three or four days and no one would notice,” he bemoans.

Scroll down for answer

Answer: 1

Food+Travel
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less