Affectionately called “The Diva of Dining,” Cleverley Stone made it her life’s mission to beat hunger in Houston. “Dine Out & Do Good” was Stone’s mantra, and her tireless efforts spurred an annual citywide boom in restaurant revenues and contributions to Houston Food Bank. Stone founded Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) in 2003 and it is now the city’s largest annual fundraiser of its kind and an exceptional testament to her vision.

The economic impact of HRW translates into millions of dollars for the local economy in August, historically the worst month of the year for Houston restaurants. Now, it’s their most profitable month of the year.

Stone was a 26-year restaurant correspondent and former host of “The Cleverley Food Talk Radio Show,” a freewheeling talk show about food, wine, dining, and issues influencing the food scene at national and local levels. A Who’s Who of celebrity chefs, restaurant industry illuminati, stars of The Food Network and journalists made guest appearances alongside up-and-coming local chefs and restaurateurs. This led to her being a popular contributor to FOX26/KRIV Morning News in Houston for many years.

HRW is carried on by her daughter Katie Stone in memory of her mother, who passed away in 2020 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Stone’s wish was that HRW continue in perpetuity in her name. In 2020, Katie Stone established The Cleverley Stone Foundation, which exists to continue her mission and legacy by supporting Houstonians in need by producing HRW and sister event Eat Drink HTX.