Café Piro Chefs Named James Beard Award Finalists

Owners of Socorro restaurant recognized for culinary excellence

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:27pm

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Gabe and Melissa Padilla, the husband-and-wife owners of Café Piro in Socorro, Texas, have been named finalists for the prestigious James Beard Award in 2026. The Padillas are being honored for their innovative approach to Southwestern cuisine and commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients.

Why it matters

The James Beard Award is considered the 'Oscars' of the culinary world, recognizing the top chefs, restaurateurs, and food media personalities in the United States. Being named a finalist is a major career milestone that can significantly boost a chef's profile and bring more attention to their restaurant.

The details

Café Piro, which the Padillas opened in 2018, has earned a loyal following in the El Paso region for its creative takes on classic Tex-Mex and New Mexican dishes. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from local farms and purveyors, highlighting the region's rich agricultural heritage.

  • Café Piro opened in Socorro, Texas in 2018.
  • The James Beard Award finalists for 2026 were announced on April 4, 2026.

The players

Gabe Padilla

Co-owner and chef at Café Piro in Socorro, Texas.

Melissa Padilla

Co-owner and chef at Café Piro in Socorro, Texas.

Café Piro

A restaurant in Socorro, Texas that specializes in innovative Southwestern cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.

James Beard Award

A prestigious culinary award that recognizes the top chefs, restaurateurs, and food media personalities in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Café Piro.”

— Gabe Padilla, Co-owner and chef, Café Piro

“Café Piro has always been about celebrating the incredible flavors and ingredients of the Borderland region. This recognition helps shine a light on the vibrant culinary scene in El Paso and Socorro.”

— Melissa Padilla, Co-owner and chef, Café Piro

What’s next

The James Beard Foundation will announce the winners of the 2026 awards on June 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Padillas' James Beard Award nomination underscores the growing reputation of El Paso and the surrounding region as a culinary destination, with chefs like those at Café Piro leading the way in showcasing the area's unique Southwestern flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.