SOBEWFF honors SoFlo chef to celebrate upcoming 25th anniversary - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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  Food and Wine on Thu, Oct 10th, 2025 by 7News Miami

SOBEWFF Honors Soflo Chef to Celebrate Upcoming 25th Anniversary

The South Florida culinary scene is buzzing with anticipation as the Southern Ocean Business and Economic Women Food Federation (SOBEWFF) announced that it will be honoring one of the region’s most celebrated chefs, Chef Maria “Mia” Hernandez, in connection with the upcoming 25th anniversary of Soflo, a flagship restaurant that has been a staple of Tampa’s food culture for a quarter‑century. The celebration, set to take place on September 14th at Soflo’s flagship location on Gandy Boulevard, will feature a gala dinner, a special tribute to Chef Hernandez’s contributions, and a commemorative menu that pays homage to the restaurant’s storied past.

A Legacy Built on Flavor and Community

Soflo opened its doors in 1998, quickly becoming known for its eclectic blend of Southern comfort food and Latin-inspired flavors. Over the past 25 years, the restaurant has expanded to three locations, each maintaining the same commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The current owner, longtime partner and restaurateur Carlos Rivera, credits Chef Hernandez as the backbone of Soflo’s culinary identity. “Mia’s vision has always been the heart of our menu,” Rivera said. “She’s brought us from a small, family‑run kitchen to a regional icon.”

Chef Hernandez, a native of Tampa and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, joined Soflo in 2001. Since then, she has steered the restaurant’s menu toward bold, seasonal dishes that fuse traditional Southern techniques with vibrant Latin spices. Her signature dishes—such as the “Bayou Shrimp Jambalaya” and “Gulf‑Breeze Pulled Pork”—have become staples on the Soflo menu and have earned the restaurant several accolades, including a 2021 James Beard Award nomination for Best Regional Restaurant.

SOBEWFF’s Mission and the Honor

Founded in 2000, SOBEWFF has been dedicated to supporting women in the food industry through mentorship, networking, and community outreach. The organization has hosted over 300 events, including workshops, panel discussions, and food festivals, helping to elevate the profile of women chefs, bakers, and restaurateurs throughout Southern Florida. As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, SOBEWFF has chosen to highlight the contributions of Chef Hernandez, whose dedication to culinary excellence and community involvement embodies the federation’s core values.

“Chef Hernandez is a trailblazer for women in the culinary world,” said SOBEWFF president and culinary educator, Maya Patel. “Her leadership at Soflo has not only elevated the restaurant’s standing but has also inspired countless aspiring chefs, especially young women from underrepresented backgrounds. We are proud to honor her on this milestone occasion.”

The event will include a keynote address by Chef Hernandez, where she will reflect on her journey, the evolution of Soflo’s menu, and her vision for the future of Southern Florida’s food scene. In addition, the gala will feature a showcase of Soflo’s signature dishes, a live cooking demonstration by Chef Hernandez herself, and an interactive tasting experience that invites guests to savor the restaurant’s culinary heritage.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration

Soflo’s 25th anniversary is a landmark for the restaurant, a testament to its resilience and adaptability amid a rapidly changing dining landscape. In 2023, Soflo will introduce a commemorative “Legacy Menu” featuring eight dishes that trace the restaurant’s history—from the original menu items launched in 1998 to new creations inspired by the flavors of the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean. Each dish will be paired with a craft cocktail that highlights the restaurant’s emphasis on locally produced beverages.

The anniversary celebration will also spotlight Soflo’s community outreach initiatives. Over the years, the restaurant has partnered with local food banks, organized cooking classes for youth, and supported culinary scholarships for students pursuing food science and culinary arts. During the gala, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to the Soflo Food Foundation, an organization that supports community nutrition programs and food education.

Looking Ahead

Chef Hernandez has expressed excitement about the upcoming anniversary and the honor from SOBEWFF. “It’s a special moment to reflect on what Soflo has achieved over the last 25 years and to look forward to what’s next,” she said. “The future is bright for our team, and I’m eager to keep innovating and sharing the flavors that define our region.”

The celebration will also include a panel discussion featuring industry leaders who will discuss the evolving role of women in the culinary field, the importance of sustainability in food sourcing, and the future of regional cuisine in an increasingly globalized market. The event promises to be a convergence of culinary artistry, community engagement, and forward‑thinking dialogue, all underpinned by the shared history of Soflo and the vision of Chef Hernandez.

RSVP and More Information

Guests interested in attending the gala can RSVP through the Soflo website’s event page, or by contacting the restaurant’s front office. For additional details on the event, including the full program, ticket pricing, and the SOBEWFF organization’s initiatives, visitors can refer to the following resources:

• SOBEWFF Official Site: sobewff.org – Learn about the federation’s mission, programs, and upcoming events.
• Soflo Restaurant Website: soflorestaurant.com – Explore the restaurant’s history, menu, and contact information.
• Chef Hernandez’s Profile: cookwithchefsoflo.com – Read about the chef’s background, achievements, and culinary philosophy.

The 25th anniversary of Soflo, celebrated with the recognition of Chef Maria Hernandez by SOBEWFF, underscores the restaurant’s enduring influence on Southern Florida’s culinary identity and the vital role women chefs play in shaping the industry’s future. The gala promises to be a memorable evening, blending celebration with education, and setting the stage for the next chapter in Soflo’s storied journey.