Brian Howard, Chef
Chef Brian Howard is the Chef & Owner of Sparrow + Wolf, one of Las Vegas' most celebrated independent restaurants and a leading voice in the city's modern culinary movement. Over more than two decades, Howard has helped redefine Las Vegas as one of America's premier dining destinations through bold, globally inspired cuisine, thoughtful leadership, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. A James Beard Foundation Award nominee, Howard was recognized as a Best Chef: Southwest semifinalist in 2024 and finalist in 2026, distinctions that reflect both his culinary vision and his lasting impact on the industry.
Howard discovered his passion for cooking at just ten years old in Michigan. After relocating to Las Vegas, he trained under Thomas Keller, Kerry Simon, Andre Rochat, and David Myers. Those formative years instilled a relentless pursuit of excellence, discipline, and craftsmanship that continue to define his approach today. One longtime Las Vegas food writer famously described Howard as "the most ambitious chef in Las Vegas."
In 2017, Howard opened Sparrow + Wolf in the heart of Las Vegas' Chinatown district. The restaurant has been recognized by USA Today, Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler, and Food & Wine, which declared Sparrow + Wolf "the restaurant Las Vegas deserves." It has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, twice been named Best Restaurant by Desert Companion, and received the prestigious Slow Food Vegas Snail of Approval for its commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and supporting local food systems.
Howard's influence extends far beyond his own dining room. Throughout his career he has competed on Chopped, won Late Nite Chef Fight, and appeared alongside Gordon Ramsay as a guest judge on MasterChef Junior. Believing that a rising tide lifts the entire industry, he has become one of Las Vegas' strongest advocates for chef collaboration through industry dinners, educational events, and gatherings such as Bar Snacks. He has welcomed collaborators from The World's 50 Best Restaurants, strengthening Southern Nevada's hospitality community while connecting it to the global culinary conversation.
Howard's philosophy has always been that exceptional restaurants are built by exceptional people. Beyond the restaurant, he serves as Chair of the Culinary Council for Three Square and has established a long-term partnership with the Foundation for Recovery, creating employment and career pathways for individuals rebuilding their lives through hospitality. As Howard's career continues to evolve, his vision extends beyond the restaurant. Drawing on more than twenty years of operational leadership, he is developing hospitality systems, leadership frameworks, and technology tools focused on communication, operational efficiency, team wellness, and long-term sustainability, helping restaurants create healthier workplaces while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.
Whether mentoring young chefs, collaborating with industry peers, supporting charitable organizations, or creating unforgettable dining experiences, Howard remains guided by a simple belief: food is humanity's greatest connector. Today, he continues to shape the future of hospitality through cuisine, leadership, community, and innovation, building restaurants, people, and tools that leave the industry stronger than he found it.
