DID YOUR FAVORITE MAKE THE CUT? The Foodist Awards Finalists Announced

Today, the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) announced the 2025 Foodist Award finalists. The Foodist Awards shine a spotlight on the talent, innovation, hard work and skill that those in the local hospitality industry showcase every day.

Winners in each category are voted upon by industry peers and culinary enthusiasts. The 2025 Foodist Awards will take place on Mon., April 7 from 5-10 p.m. at Warehouse215, located at 215 E. Grant St., Phoenix, where winners will be formally honored.

“We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Foodist Award finalists, all of whom deserve this recognition and more,” says 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.

Tickets for the Foodist Awards are available at foodistawards.com.