84R3431 JGH-D
By: Sheffield H.C.R. No. 39
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Hico celebrated the city's 11th
annual Texas Steak Cookoff in 2014, and the continuing success of
this popular festival makes the community deserving of designation
as the official Steak Capital of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of then Mayor Stan Bundy, the
city staged its first steak cook-off in May 2004, with 15
participating cookers; the following year, the Hico Economic
Development Corporation took over management of the event, and by
year three, the festival had grown to include five professional
chefs, 16 backyard cooks, a number of vendors, and several
wineries, drawing some 2,000 guests; and
WHEREAS, By 2008, Hico's cook-off had nearly doubled in size
from its start, and the gathering was featured on the Food Network
cable channel; since then, the festival has grown steadily, and it
now attracts more than 100 cookers, 15 wineries, 70 vendors, and
over 6,500 guests each year for a variety of activities that include
a wine tasting and VIP dinner, as well as the signature contest to
choose the cooker of the "Best Steak in Texas"; and
WHEREAS, The proceeds from the Texas Steak Cookoff directly
benefit the community, helping the Hico EDC support such notable
organizations and initiatives as the Civic Club, the Memorial
Scholarship Foundation, and construction of an outdoor stage in the
city park; the festival has also attracted corporate sponsors, and
the weekend results in a 12 to 14 percent rise in retail sales for
local businesses each year; and
WHEREAS, In hosting the largest event of its kind in the
state, the city of Hico brings together talented professional and
amateur chefs in a spirited competition enjoyed by residents and
tourists alike while highlighting the ongoing importance of beef to
the economy and culture of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Hico as the official Steak Capital of Texas.