Sam Hellman-Mass

Background

About Sam Hellman-Mass

I'm a restaurateur and co-founder/owner of acclaimed Austin restaurants Suerte, Este and Bar Toti. I began my culinary journey in kitchens across Boston, then earned my bachelor's degree in business administration from Boston University before moving to Austin in 2010. After six years of honing my craft at award-winning restaurants like Barley Swine and Odd Duck, I was named to the Zagat 30 Under 30 Austin list in 2014 and was a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Rising Star Chef in 2015. I opened my first restaurant, Suerte, in East Austin in 2018, focusing on Mexican-inspired culinary experiences grounded in refined cooking techniques and house-made masa. The restaurant has earned national recognition, including features on Netflix's "The Taco Chronicles,” on Food & Wine’s “Best New Restaurants of 2019” list, and was named a Michelin Recommended Restaurant in the inaugural Texas guide in 2024. In 2022, I opened my second restaurant, Este, specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine and charcoal cooking. Este was named Best New Restaurant 2023 by Bon Appétit, featured in The New York Times'"America's Best Restaurants of 2023," and recognized as a Michelin Recommended Restaurant in 2024. My latest venture, Bar Toti, opened in 2023 and is a lively neighborhood bistro inspired by the bar cultures of Spain, France and Mexico. My approach combines hands-on kitchen experience with business strategy, with a focus on creating welcoming spaces, building strong teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences rooted in community.