2024 PHILADELPHIA RISING STARS AWARDS

There is no greater underdog than Philadelphia. As we spent time in the City of Brotherly Love, it was apparent that the food and beverage community is just as hardworking, passionate, and tight-knit as the city at large. We met with industry professionals who had not only weathered the storm of COVID-19 since we last visited, but who had, in spite of it, made great improvements to their businesses. All across Philadelphia we heard stories of cooperation and support. We witnessed a city with wide-reaching, innovative culinary formats and flavors, and a restaurant community that felt small, but is certainly mighty.

The industry continues to grapple with an issue of Philly’s perception. Inundated with images of cheesesteaks and hoagies, there is a growing sense of frustration with the city’s stereotypical national profile. Chefs are speaking up and are determined to show how advanced, sophisticated, and dynamic their dining culture is. And, they are united in their desire for change, growth, and impact. Hospitality was central to our experience on the ground. Industry professionals are using their platform, influence, and skills to revitalize neighborhoods and care for their neighbors.

It seems that despite recent accolades and attention, Philadelphia is still underestimated. But that chip on the shoulder is what makes Philly one of the most formidable hospitality scenes in the country. “The way I see it,” says Chef Chad Williams, “the national attention isn't the pinnacle, but a waypoint on our ongoing journey.” The people in Philly are always reaching for a higher rung on the ladder, and the hospitality industry is no different. They are climbing and innovating whether eyes are on them or not, and you’d be wrong to bet against them.

RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 20 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Philadelphia community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page.

  • CHEF

    Chance Anies
    Tabachoy

  • CHEF

    Mike Carter
    Down North Pizza

  • CHEF

    Edwin De La Rosa
    Middle Child Clubhouse

  • CHEF

    Alex Kemp
    My Loup

  • CHEF

    George Madosky
    Fork

  • CHEF

    Kevin McWilliams
    Laurel

  • GAME CHANGER

    Presented by S.Pellegrino
    Ian Graye
    Pietramala

  • CONCEPT

    Jacob & Alexandra Cohen
    Kismet Bagels

  • CONCEPT

    Sofia DeLeon
    El Merkury

  • COMMUNITY

    Presented by Resy
    Thu Pham
    Càphê Roasters

  • RESTAURATEURS

    Chloé Grigri and Vincent Stipo
    Bad Baguette Hospitality

  • PASTRY CHEF

    Presented by TCHO Chocolate
    Amanda Rafalski
    Friday Saturday Sunday

  • BAKER

    Noelle Blizzard
    New June Bakery

  • BAKER

    Delilah Pergola
    High Street Bakery

  • BARTENDER

    Fred Beebe
    Post Haste

  • BARTENDER

    Brandon Thrash
    Middle Child Clubhouse

  • SOMMELIER

    Frank Kinyon
    a.kitchen+bar

  • MENTOR

    Presented by Vitamix Commercial
    Ellen Yin
    High Street Hospitality

STARCHEFS SUPPORTS

StarChefs is excited to partner with Singer Equipment Company and Chef Yun Fuentes of Bolo to support Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) during Philadelphia Rising Stars Restaurant Week. For every Lumina Lamb dish sold at Bolo during the Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $5 to C-CAP.

Long co-chaired by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success. Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job, and life skills to over 20,000 middle-and-high school students. For more information about C-CAP, visit ccapinc.org and follow @ccapinc on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs will host the Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Wednesday, February 28 through Wednesday, March 13. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, drinks, and pairings that wowed the StarChefs editorial team. With $100 restaurant gift cards up for grabs, you won’t want to miss it! Order any of the featured dishes or drinks and share an Instagram story or post to enter. You must tag @StarChefs and #StarChefsRisingStars to be considered.

ART OF PRESENTATION CONTEST

In partnership with Steelite International, the Art of Presentation contest highlights the artistry behind plating and gives one of the Rising Stars Award winners the opportunity to win $5,000 towards Steelite products of their choice. Check out the Rising Stars’ dishes here and vote for your favorite plating presentation. Voting ends Monday, February 26th at 10AM EST.