Arizona Restaurant Association Announces Foodist Awards Nominations Open Jan. 23

The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that nominations for the annual Foodist Awards will be live Monday, Jan. 23. Food enthusiasts have the opportunity to support the food and beverage industry by nominating their favorite food, beverage, restaurant, chef and more in specific categories, including new ones launched in 2023. Nominations take place online at foodistawards.com through Sunday, Feb. 5.

“The Foodist Awards serves as the preeminent event of the hospitality industry in Arizona. It allows the community to show their support for a restaurant, dish, chef and bartender,” says Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “Last year we received more than 1,800 nominations and this year we aim to do even better. We highly encourage the food community to show their love for the industry and its many hardworking people by voting!”

Award categories, featuring the new categories for 2023 are noted with asterisks, include:

Food & Beverage

Standout Signature Dish

Best Dish in a Supporting Role (highlighting side dishes)*

Most Delectable Dessert

AZ’s Best Beer*

Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program*

Experiences 

Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience*

Top Arizona Brewery, Winery, Distillery Experience*

Exceptional Culinary Experience *

Brunch with a Punch*

Restaurant 

Emerging Restaurant of the Year

Uniquely Arizona

Outstanding Hospitality Group

Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept

Best World Flavors*

People 

Team Member of the Year

Manager of the Year

Top Mixologist/Bartender

Top Chef

Food Pioneer

The addition of new award categories allows the Arizona Restaurant Association to recognize and include a wider representation of establishments within the hospitality industry and keeps things new and exciting for industry nominees as well as voters.

The Foodist Awards ceremony is set to take place Monday, April 24 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix. During the event, guests can enjoy live music and heavy hors d’oeuvre as they mix and mingle in celebration of the award winners. For complete considerations and details for voting, visit foodistawards.com.