The Greater Houston Restaurant Association (GHRA) hosted more than 550 restaurant industry leaders at its annual Gourmet Gala, held Nov. 7 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston. At this year's event, sponsored by Sysco Food Services of Houston, the GHRA raised more than $225,000, with proceeds going toward the GHRA Education Committee and Scholarship Fund, and the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
(l to r) the Ybarra family: Russell, Troy, Roland, Victor, parents Eugene and Alice, Tony, Alice Chandler and Moses (not pictured: Erick Ybarra)

The 2009 gala honorees were the Ybarra family (pictured, above). The Ybarras own several restaurants and foodservice operations and consist of parents Eugene and Alice and their eight children. The family owns and operates El Toro Mexican Restaurant, Iguana Joe's Mexican Restaurant, Gringo's Mexican Kitchen, Johnny Tamale Cantina, Bullritos and El Matador Foods.
(l to r) Cafe Adobe president and CEO Bob Borochoff, Houston city controller Annise Parker and GHRA president Michael Shine