The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Foodist Awards. The Foodist Awards shine a spotlight on the talent, innovation, hard work and skill that those in the local hospitality industry showcase every day.
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Winners in each category are voted upon by industry peers and culinary enthusiasts. The 2025 Foodist Awards will take place on Monday, April 7 from 5-10 p.m. at Warehouse215, located at 215 E. Grant St., where winners will be formally honored.
“We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Foodist Award finalists, all of whom deserve this recognition and more,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “We also want to thank the community for voting and the continued support of the food and beverage industry and its hardworking personnel. Together, we can continue to build Arizona into a highly sought-after culinary destination.”
For 11 years and counting, the Foodist Awards has served to recognize the best of the best in a variety of categories that represent culinary excellence in the Arizona food and beverage industry. Finalists for the 2025 Foodist Awards are as follows:
Food and Beverage: Standout Signature Dish
Beef Rendang, Kembara
Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf
Birria Dumplings, Santo
Most Crave-Worthy Burger
Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s
Hush Burger, Fire at Will
The Great One, Chuckbox
Top Sushi Restaurant
Across the Pond
Sushi Friend
Uchi Sushi
Arizona Grown Purveyors
Hayden Flour Mill
Noble Bread
Ramona Farms
Favorite Local Craft Beer
American Pie, Cider Corps
Church Music, The Shop Beer Co.
Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing
Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program
Bar 1912
Barcoa Agaveria
Poppy’s Office
Experiences: Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience
50 Shades of Rosé
Barcoa Agaveria
Little Rituals
Ultimate Patio Atmosphere
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
Lou’s at Papago Golf
Thea
Exceptional Culinary Experience
Atria
Course
Vecina
Iconic Speakeasy Experience
Little Debbie’s
Poppy’s Office
Tell Your Friends
Restaurants: Emerging Restaurant of the Year
Le Ame
Mensho Ramen
Pizza to the Rescue
Uniquely Arizona
Mariposa
Old Town Tortilla Factory
Richardson’s
Outstanding Hospitality Group
Genuine Concepts
Haunted Group
In-Good Spirits
Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept
Amelia’s by EAT
Taco Chelo
Worth Takeaway
People: Team Member of the Year
Ann Nowak, Citizen Public House
Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma
Daniela Torres, Spoke & Wheel, Sedona
Manager of the Year
Brendon Franko, Wildflower
Jacqueline Verge, The Americano
Ryan Blumenfurth, Ling & Louie’s
Top Mixologist/Bartender
Michael Hopper, Atria
Lexi Scott, Thompson 105
PJ Vader Baron, Melinda’s Alley/Hyatt
Top Chef
Anthony Apolinar, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
Claudio Urciuoli, Source
Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf
The distinguished Food Pioneer Award will also be announced and presented at the reception on Monday, April 7.
Each year, this coveted award is bestowed upon one much-deserving individual who will be celebrated at the event. This recognition serves as the Foodist’s lifetime achievement award, honoring a longtime career of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona.
For more about the Foodist Awards and to purchase tickets to the event, visit foodistawards.com.
