Dining is more than an outing—it’s big business!

Join us on Tuesday, October 20 as Progress321 host a dynamic panel discussion exploring the economic heartbeat of the restaurant industry from the point of view of the Chef. This event brings together Executive Chefs from El Paso and Juarez for a conversation and story telling from the regional leaders behind the fire.

Panelists include:

Chef Andrés Padilla, Executive Chef at Paso del Norte Hotel - Throughout a distinguished career spanning Michelin-starred Chicago kitchens, national roles with Starr Restaurant Group, and executive positions across the Southwest and East Coast, Chef Andrés Padilla has blended regional Mexican traditions with refined modern culinary techniques, currently serving as the Culinary Director overseeing operations at Hotel Paso Del Norte in El Paso.

Chef Lawrence Acosta, Executive Chef at the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park - El Paso native Chef Lawrence Acosta, trained at The Culinary Institute of America, has built a decade-long career shaping the borderland's culinary scene through various local establishments and his current role at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, where he defines modern Mexican cuisine through his signature "El Paso flair."

Chef Pablo Rivero, Culinary Director at Great American Hospitality - With over three decades of international hospitality experience, Chef Pablo Rivero brings his refined balance of tradition and innovation to projects like Ardeo and Yoko Asian Kitchen in Juarez, crafting immersive dining experiences that celebrate flavor, culture, and connection.

Don't miss out on the conversation shaping our region!

• Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

• Where: Th Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, 106 West Mills Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79901

• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Cost: Free