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.

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.

– more at azbigmedia.com