Chris Melton

I have had the pleasure of working in the Sake industry for over 14 years, both in restaurants and distribution. Having travelled to Japan on many occasions and visited several Japanese Sake breweries, I fell in love with Sake and its history, culture, individual personalities, and its ability to bring people together. My biggest passion is teaching people around Texas about the amazing versatility Sake has with our local cuisine and I can’t wait to bring the joy of Sake to the great state of Texas!

Lance Smith

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Lance is a 14-year veteran of the hospitality and beverage industry with a singular mission: to spread sake culture throughout the U.S. As the Regional Sales Manager for JFC International, he combines his deep industry experience with a Certified Sake Professional and Sake Sommelier credential to educate and inspire. Lance is dedicated to showing Americans that sake is not just a drink—it’s an art form and a taste of history.

The Texas Sake School will provide regular educational opportunities throughout the year in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and beyond. We are committed to teaching people the information to make them Sake professionals, no matter their current Sake background or level of understanding.