Food Reporter
Hearst · Houston
Role Overview
The Houston Chronicle is seeking a Food Reporter to cover Houston’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene in fresh, innovative ways. This reporter will be plugged into restaurant trends, chefs and the people shaping Houston’s food culture. This reporter should be the first to report breaking news, from major restaurant openings and closings to chef moves, ownership changes and industry developments.
The Food Reporter will create journalism that meets audiences wherever they are, particularly on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other social platforms. This role goes beyond traditional food coverage, combining authoritative reporting with creative storytelling, strong audience instincts and a deep understanding of what makes people want to watch, share, discuss and return for more.
From quick social videos and recurring video series to in-depth stories about Houston’s food scene, this reporter will help define how the Chronicle engages food lovers across the city.
What You’ll Do
- Be first and best in reporting Houston’s food news, including restaurant openings and closures, chef moves, ownership changes, major hires, expansions and insider developments.
- Build strong sourcing among chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality workers, industry leaders and food enthusiasts.
- Cover restaurant trends, chef profiles, emerging cuisines and the human-centered stories behind the meals, with a focus on what matters to Houston’s diverse communities.
- Use social listening, search trends, audience tools and community engagement to identify food conversations and create coverage that resonates.
- Develop recurring social video series and franchises for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube and other platforms.
- Produce quick reactions, interviews, explainers, behind-the-scenes videos and other social-first storytelling.
- Juggle breaking news with longer features, food guides, trend stories and experimental digital formats.
- Collaborate closely with food editors, visuals, audience strategists and other newsroom teams to bring stories to life and extend their reach.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has at least three years of reporting experience, including at least one year covering food, restaurants, culture, business or a related beat.
- Has a strong understanding of Houston’s restaurant scene, chefs, neighborhoods and culinary culture.
- Has a proven ability to break news quickly, accurately and ethically.
- Is deeply plugged into restaurant and food trends and knows how to spot a story before it becomes widely known.
- Has experience creating social video for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
- Is comfortable on camera and capable of developing engaging video series, interviews, explainers and field reports.
- Brings a creative mindset to food coverage and is eager to experiment with formats, visuals and storytelling approaches.
- Can balance breaking news with compelling feature reporting that keeps readers and viewers coming back.
Additional Information
- Sponsorship: This position does not provide immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship.
- Accommodations: We are committed to an accessible application process. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact hnpemployment@hearst.com. This email address is for accommodation requests only.
Benefits
We support our employees through personal and professional development and promote physical, financial and emotional wellbeing for employees and their families. Our benefits include:
- Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental and vision coverage to help keep you and your family healthy.
- Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with a matching program in most markets.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
- Paid Parental Leave: Paid leave to support growing families and new parents.
- Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Mental wellness benefits to support your emotional wellbeing.
- LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for individual needs.
- Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Support throughout different stages of your health and family journey.
- Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: Support to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
- And more: Learn more about additional benefits and details here.