Remembering Ed Lowe

Ed Lowe at his beloved Big Bend.

Ed Lowe’s Legacy of Sustainability at Celebration Restaurant

More than a year has passed since beloved Dallas restaurateur, ecologist and river advocate Ed Lowe died after slipping off an embankment while exploring one of his favorite places, the banks of the Rio Grande in Boquillas Canyon, in Big Bend National Park. Through the Texas River Protection Association and Friends of the Brazos River, Lowe had worked tirelessly to protect Texas waterways from pollution and other threats. He regularly led youth groups from all socio-economic backgrounds through guided hikes and canoe trips, ensuring that everyone had access to these serene natural treasures. Lowe’s dedication to sustainable and socially just food systems is still impactby Sheila Julson

ing people through his signature project, Celebration Restaurant & Market, the farm-to-table eatery he founded in 1971. Natural Awakenings reached out to some of Lowe’s friends at Celebration and asked them to reflect on his visions for sustainability, and how they’re carrying on his legacy.

President Shannon Lindley believes Lowe’s family values and his approach toward teamwork contributed to Celebration’s longevity. “I think he was a true pioneer and visionary in a lot of aspects. He stayed ahead of the curve in the industry. The concept behind Celebration was to serve food to people that is similar to the way his mom would serve their family—a protein, veggies and

salad—and have everyone sit down and share it together,” she reflects.

Today, there are many farm-to-table restaurants offering what Celebration has been doing since day one, but Lindley believes Lowe’s passion for investing in each person and considering them a partner rather than an employee, helped build a dedicated staff —most of which have been with Celebration five years or more. Those relationships helped Celebration succeed in the competitive restaurant business and maintain support of the local farmers and vendors where they source wholesome foods.

Lindley affirms that Celebration is continuing to support projects that Lowe built, such as community gardens at Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School, named after Lowe’s father, a Dallas businessman. She says Celebration regularly donates to schools, charities and organizations Lowe was passionate about.

“He was a very humble person, both through the life he lived and how he wanted to help others. He was very generous, and if he heard of a situation where someone needed help, he’d step up. There was a partner here through a work program, and she needed eye surgery. We were able to help her pay for her surgery. He was proud to be able to help improve somebody’s life to be better and give more,” Lindley shares.

Gerald Johnson, catering manager, has worked there since 1979—testament to how the family culture Lowe had established retains employees with very little turnover. “I was hiring people for the upcoming holiday season, and I was kind of out of rhythm with the hiring process because we don’t have to do it that often,” he laughs.

Johnson fondly recalls Lowe’s passion for helping children explore Texas’ waterways, instilling in them an appreciation and respect for the environment. “He took underprivileged kids out on the water. Many of those kids had never