PHOENIX (October 22, 2026) — The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) has announced nominations are now open for the 2027 Foodist Awards. The ARA’s official awards program, the Foodist Awards honor the best of the best in the hospitality industry including restaurants, bars, companies and individuals who demonstrate exceptional business acumen, leadership and creativity while shaping Arizona’s culinary landscape. Nominations will remain open through Friday, Nov. 6. Finalists will be awarded at the Foodists Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
“We are pleased to present our 13th annual Foodist Awards in 2027,” said Steve Chucri, Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO. “But before we do that, we need your help selecting the best and brightest of our state’s hospitality industry across 19 categories statewide. Members of the culinary community have the opportunity to make their voice heard through the Foodist Award nominations, and we can’t wait to see the results of your votes.”
Public nominations help the ARA spotlight the people and places driving Arizona’s dining culture forward, whether it’s a neighborhood gem, a team member who goes above and beyond or a longtime favorite that continues to set the standard. Every nomination plays a key role in ensuring the ARA panel has a complete view of the talent and innovation across Arizona.
The 2027 Foodist Awards categories are as follows:
Food & Beverage
- Standout Signature Dish
- Best Coffee Shop Experience
- Outstanding Arizona Producer
- Favorite Local Craft Beer
- Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program
Experiences
- Top Happy Hour Spot
- Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience
- Top Spot for Local Live Music
- Exceptional Fine Dining Culinary Experience
- Immersive Culinary Experience
Restaurants
- Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept
- Excellence in Casino Dining
- Uniquely Arizona Emerging
- Restaurant of the Year
People
- Culinary Content Creator *Public Voted*
- Team Member of the Year
- Manager of the Year
- Top Mixologist/Bartender
- Top Chef
- Food Pioneer
The Food Pioneer category serves as the Foodist Awards’ “lifetime achievement award.” This peer-voted award honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona.
In addition to public votes, the Foodist Awards panelists contribute to the nominations and finalist selections each year. Foodist Awards finalists will be announced in December. The Foodist Awards ceremony takes place Tuesday, April 6, 2027 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are forthcoming.
For more about the Foodist Awards and to submit nominations, visit https://foodistawards.com/.
For more about the Arizona Restaurant Association, visit https://azrestaurant.org/.
About the Arizona Restaurant Association: Dedicated to helping its members become leaders in their communities through building customer loyalty, escalating awareness of food safety and healthy living, bolstering a thriving industry and rewarding workforce and increasing financial success, the Arizona Restaurant Association is the brainchild of events that support the state’s culinary scene including Arizona Restaurant Week and the Foodist Awards. For more, visit https://azrestaurant.org/
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