2026 StarChefs D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Rising Stars Awards

RISING STARS

Feb 23

Written By Team StarChefs

StarChefs returns to the DMV to celebrate the region’s most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals.

The 2026 D.C.-Maryland-Virginia Rising Stars Awards will be the 95th class of Award winners and the 7th class from the DMV region.
The Rising Stars Award winners are designated by the StarChefs editorial team based on in-person tastings and interviews. In each market, the editorial team tastes and interviews with more than 100 chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and artisans, ultimately selecting a group of 18 to 25 professionals who best represent the future of American dining. Although Rising Stars Awards are given out locally, award winners are evaluated according to a set of national standards. Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy, and, most important, delicious food, drinks, and/or pairings win the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star.
**For more information, visit the** **2026 DMV Rising Stars Awards** **event page.**

GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Leah Branch of The Roosevelt (RVA)

RESTAURATEUR
Lane Harlan of W.C. Harlan, Clavel, Fadensonnen, and The Coral Wig (BAL)

COMMUNITY
Presented by Resy
Deke Dunne of Allegory (DC)

CONCEPT
Keilelr Kyle of Ovenbird Bakery (BAL)

BUTCHER
Kyle Morse of The Mayor (RVA)

PASTRY CHEFS
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Susan Bae of Moon Rabit (DC)
Ana Sofía Pino of Lutèce

BAKER
Presented by King Arthur Baking Co.
Ashley Patino of Julio's Bagels and Pizza Bones (RVA)

BARTENDERS
Presented by Campari Academy
Dre Levon of Clavel Mezcaleria (BAL)
Samuel Nellis of Silver Lyan (DC)

SOMMELIERS
Grayum Vickers of The Brooklyn, Lillian, and Lost Letter (RVA)
Eric Moorer of Gemini (DC)

ROASTER
Kris Fulton of Sophomore Coffee (BAL)

MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group (DC)

DMV RISING STARS PARTNERS

Symrise, Steelite International, Vitamix Commercial, S.Pellegrino, Corto Olive Co., Resy, TCHO Chocolate, Niman Ranch, Nespresso Professional, Nielsen-Massey, American Lamb Board, King Arthur Baking Company, Campari Academy, Jade Range, Vulcan, Seafood Scotland, Shun Cutlery, Tripleseat, Westholme Wagyu, The Line DC, District Winery, Eleven Eleven, Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP)

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