When Tavel Bristol-Joseph moved from Georgetown, Guyana to Brooklyn at seventeen, he brought with him memories of island flavors, family gatherings, and the kind of food that tells stories across generations. Today, as Partner, Executive Pastry Chef, and Director of Hospitality for Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Bristol-Joseph has built an empire of eleven celebrated concepts across Texas, but it's Canje, his love letter to Caribbean cuisine, where his heart truly lives.
"I wasn't seeing enough diversity in food in Austin," Bristol-Joseph reflects. "We needed a Caribbean restaurant in this food city, not just any restaurant, but a sit-down space where I could tell the story of Caribbean food and showcase the entire diaspora."
A Journey Rooted in Representation
Bristol-Joseph's path to becoming one of Texas's most decorated chefs wasn't linear, but it was purposeful. After arriving in New York, he enrolled in the New York Restaurant School and spent five formative years at the legendary River Café. From there, his career took him to Blue Fin at the W Times Square as pastry sous chef, then west to Arizona where he honed his craft across multiple concepts and met his now-business partner, Chef Kevin Fink.
The duo moved to Austin in 2015 to open Emmer & Rye, which quickly garnered national acclaim, landing on Bon Appétit's "America's Best Restaurants" list and earning recognition as Austin American-Statesman's "Best Restaurant in Austin" in 2018. They followed with Henbit, a casual daytime eatery, and then Hestia, their fine dining concept that Robb Report named "#1 Best New Restaurant in America" in 2020.
But it was Canje, which opened in October 2021, that allowed Bristol-Joseph to pour his heritage and vision into every detail. Named after a river in Guyana, the restaurant takes diners on a journey through the Caribbean diaspora, from the islands to the mainland, honoring influences from West Africa to India to the Indigenous peoples of the region.
"Every dish tells a story of its origin," he says. "It's not traditional, but it's authentic."
That authenticity has resonated powerfully. In 2022, Canje was awarded "Best New Restaurant" by Bon Appétit and featured in The New York Times as one of "America's Best Restaurants." Bristol-Joseph himself was named one of FOOD & WINE Magazine's "Best New Chefs of 2020," earned "Pastry Chef of the Year" honors from Esquire in 2024, and has been a James Beard Award semifinalist for "Best Chef: Texas" in both 2023 and 2025.
Across the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group portfolio, the accolades continue to mount. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Texas edition saw Hestia retain its MICHELIN Star, while Emmer & Rye received both a MICHELIN Green Star and Bib Gourmand distinction. In San Antonio, the group's Pullman Market concepts, including the intimate 20-seat dessert bar Nicosi, where Bristol-Joseph leads the pastry program, earned multiple MICHELIN Stars and recognitions.
The Black Girl Magic Connection
Bristol-Joseph first encountered Black Girl Magic Wines at a family reunion, introduced by Chef Kwame while meeting the McBride Sisters. The connection was instant and personal.
"The story behind the brand is what pulled me in first and foremost," he explains. "I don't like to endorse brands that I don't have a connection with, and this was a good product. The story and the product made sense."
At Canje, that connection manifests beautifully. The Black Girl Magic Rosé has found a natural home on the wine list, paired thoughtfully with dishes that celebrate Bristol-Joseph's heritage. The bright, refreshing rosé complements the restaurant's vibrant pink pineapple dish and cuts through the heat and spice of their signature jerk chicken, a pairing that honors both the wine's California roots and the Caribbean's bold flavors.
"This partnership has been a vision for a very long time," Bristol-Joseph shares. "From the time I became familiar with the brand, I've wanted to be connected to it. The uniting of strong brands is so powerful."
Building Community, Creating Opportunity
For Bristol-Joseph, success isn't measured solely in stars and accolades; it's measured in the opportunities he can create for others. Having worked in the restaurant industry for decades and witnessed its limitations firsthand, he was determined to build something different.
"I wanted to create opportunities for people in the culinary space to build a real career," he says. "That meant I had to grow my restaurants to provide people with more opportunities."
That commitment to lifting others extends far beyond his own kitchens. Canje has become a cultural cornerstone in Austin, bringing unprecedented diversity to the city's dining scene. "We have one of the most diverse dining rooms in Austin," Bristol-Joseph notes with pride. "It's a place for people of all backgrounds to break bread together."
The restaurant's community impact is tangible and intentional. Through fundraising efforts, Canje has raised $32,000 for Houston-Tillotson University, a historically Black college in Austin. The restaurant also hosts an annual block party, now in its fourth year, that showcases up-and-coming chefs and provides a space for families to gather and celebrate. A portion of the event's proceeds funds the Bristol-Joseph Culinary Scholarship, which sponsors two students annually to attend culinary school, complete with mentorship from Bristol-Joseph himself.
"Representation matters, and I take that very seriously," he emphasizes. "Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the access and opportunities that I've had, and I think it's important to give opportunities and access to people who wouldn't normally have that. It's about using your platform to lift people up and push people forward."
What Canje Means
The name "Canje" refers to more than just a river; it represents connection, flow, and the meeting of different waters. In Bristol-Joseph's hands, it's become a place where cultures converge, stories are shared, and community is built one plate at a time.
When guests walk through Canje's doors, they're not just coming for a meal. They're experiencing cultural authenticity, tasting dishes that span continents and generations, and becoming part of a larger story about representation, excellence, and the power of food to bring people together.
And increasingly, they're raising a glass of Black Girl Magic Rosé to toast those moments, a fitting pairing of two brands built on heritage, hustle, and the belief that excellence deserves to be celebrated.
Connect:
-
Website: canjeaustin.com
-
Instagram: @canjeaustin
-
Part of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group: emmerandrye.com
What to Know Before You Visit: Canje offers a tasting menu experience that takes you on a journey through the Caribbean diaspora. The dining room celebrates cultural diversity and authenticity, making it a special destination for both intimate dinners and celebrations. With upcoming expansion to Houston's Autry Park in 2026, the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group continues to grow, bringing Bristol-Joseph's vision of opportunity and excellence to even more communities.
