2024 Categories
Standout Signature Dish
Standout Signature Dish
The nominees in this category are dishes that have become synonymous with the restaurant, and are often the dishes that customers rave about and come back for. These dishes are the chefs’ creative expression and showcase their culinary skills. These dishes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and are often a reflection of the restaurant’s concept, culture, and identity.
Best Dish in a Supporting Role
Best Dish in a Supporting Role (Highlighting Favorite Side Dishes)
These are dishes that play a supporting role to the main course, but are no less important in elevating the overall dining experience. These dishes are often the unsung heroes of the menu, but they are just as crucial in making a meal memorable.
Best Vegan Delight
Best Vegan Delight
These vegan dishes go beyond just being meat-free; they’re culinary masterpieces that impress even the most devout carnivores. Bursting with flavor and presented with flair, these creations redefine what it means to enjoy vegan cuisine.
Favorite Local Craft Beer
Favorite Local Craft Beer
Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program
Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program
This category recognizes the establishments that are pushing the boundaries of mixology and making their mark on the local cocktail scene. The nominees in this category showcase their bartenders’ creativity, technical skills, and use of unique ingredients and techniques to create truly memorable cocktails. These cocktails are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and often reflect the establishment’s concept, culture, and identity.
EXPERIENCES
Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience
Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience
Honors the best bars and nightclubs in Arizona that provide an exceptional and memorable experience for their patrons. These establishments are known for their vibrant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and innovative drinks and entertainment.
Top Arizona Brewery, Winery or Distillery Experience
Top Arizona Brewery, Winery or Distillery Experience
The breweries, wineries and distilleries that are recognized in this category are not only known for their delicious products but also for their outstanding visitor experience, the level of education provided and the ability to create a memorable experience for the visitors.
Exceptional Culinary Experience
Exceptional Culinary Experience
The nominees in this category are judged on their overall experience, including the quality of the food, the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, the atmosphere of the restaurant, the level of service, the variety of menu offerings, and the level of creativity and originality.
Best Food Truck Experience
Best Food Truck Experience
This award goes to the food truck that delivers more than just a quick bite—it offers an unforgettable dining experience on wheels. With innovative menus and exceptional service, this food truck leaves customers eagerly tracking its next location.
RESTAURANTS
Emerging Restaurant of the Year
Emerging Restaurant of the Year
Honors new and up-and-coming restaurants in Arizona that have made a significant impact on the local dining scene. This category recognizes restaurants that have opened in 2023 and have quickly established themselves as top contenders in the industry.
Uniquely Arizona
Uniquely Arizona
We are searching statewide for the restaurants that embrace the local food culture, ingredients, and flavors and are dedicated to preserving the state’s culinary heritage. The nominees in this category showcase their creativity, use of locally sourced ingredients and dedication to honoring Arizona’s rich culinary traditions.
Outstanding Hospitality Group
Outstanding Hospitality Group
This category recognizes groups that own and operate multiple restaurants, bars, or nightclubs in the state, and have demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguished themselves as pacesetters in hospitality space.
Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept
Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept
This category recognizes restaurants that create unique and memorable fast casual dining experiences, and for their ability to balance speed and convenience with quality and taste, often with limited space.
Best World Flavors
Best World Flavors
Arizona’s international food scene has continued to grow in recent years, offering a diverse and rich variety of ethnic cuisines to the local community. This category recognizes restaurants that specialize in a specific ethnic cuisine and have established a reputation for providing authentic and rich flavors through their menu offerings.
PEOPLE
Team Member of the Year
Team Member of the Year
All of our industry team members deserve applause, but this category will help tell the stories of a few who are anchors of the industry. The category recognizes a team member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience for the customers.
Considerations include:
• Serves as a model employee and team player
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Contributes to a positive work environment
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to June 1, 2023
Manager of the Year
Manager of the Year
Every year The Foodist Awards honor a few finalists and one winner as the Manager of the Year. The nominees for this award is are individuals who manage and lead the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly, effectively and efficiently. They lead by example and foster an atmosphere of growth and learning for fellow team members, creating a culture of excellence that is reflected in the restaurant’s performance, and in the satisfaction of the customers.
Considerations include:
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Demonstrates positive qualities as a leader
• Serves as an ambassador of the restaurant’s vision, mission, and definition of success
• Facilitates positive work environment and prioritizes professional workplace culture
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to June 1, 2023
Top Mixologist | Bartender
Top Mixologist | Bartender
This category recognizes a bartender or mixologist’s ability to mix and serve drinks with precision, passion and creativity while providing excellent customer service. They have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to providing an outstanding drinking experience for customers.
Considerations include:
• Innovation in drink creations
• Personable, hospitable and generous spirit
• Demonstrates beverage knowledge, technical and practical skills
• Must work regularly behind a bar – at least 2 shifts a week or more
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to June 1, 2023
Top Chef
Top Chef
Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience. This individual has made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Arizona but still continues to improve and develop their skills, and to make a positive impact on the restaurant and the community.
Considerations include:
• Exemplary culinary talent
• Innovative menu creation
• Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
• Prioritizes a professional culture
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination
Food Pioneer
Food Pioneer
Lifetime Achievement 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. Voted on by peers
Considerations include:
- Exemplary culinary talent
- Innovative menu creation
- Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
- Prioritizes a professional culture