On Monday, April 7, the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) announced the winners of the 2025 Foodist Awards at a chic event held at Warehouse215, located at 215 E. Grant St.
“It is an honor for us to celebrate the amazing industry personnel and incredible local restaurants and food businesses we have here in Arizona,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “These people and establishments truly make our culinary community what it is today—a thriving economic powerhouse that is gaining national and global recognition.”
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In its 11th year, the Foodist Awards honors the best of the best in a variety of categories that represent culinary excellence in the Arizona food and beverage industry and celebrates the talent, innovation, hard work and skill that those in the local hospitality industry showcase every day.
Winners in each category were selected via a public nomination process and then voted upon by industry peers and culinary enthusiasts. The 2025 Foodist Award winners are:
Food and Beverage
Standout Signature Dish: Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf
Most Crave-Worthy Burger: Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s
Arizona Grown Purveyors: Hayden Flour Mill
Favorite Local Craft Beer: Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing
Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program: Poppy’s Office
Experiences
Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience: Barcoa Agaveria
Ultimate Patio Atmosphere: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
Exceptional Culinary Experience: Course Restaurant
Iconic Speakeasy Experience: Tell Your Friends
Restaurants
Top Sushi Restaurant: Uchi Scottsdale
Emerging Restaurant of the Year: Le Ame
Uniquely Arizona: Mariposa
Outstanding Hospitality Group: Genuine Concepts
Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept: Taco Chelo
People
Team Member of the Year: Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma
Manager of the Year: Jacqueline Verge, The Americano
Top Mixologist/Bartender: Michael Hopper, Atria
Top Chef: Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf
This year’s distinguished Food Pioneer Award was bestowed upon the iconic Chris Bianco. Each year, this coveted award is given to one much-deserving individual. 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, visit foodistawards.com.
