2026 StarChefs Las Vegas Rising Stars Awards
StarChefs returns to Las Vegas to celebrate the city’s most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals.
The 2026 Las Vegas Rising Stars Awards will be the 96th class of Award winners and the 3rd class from Las Vegas.
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 Las Vegas Rising Stars Awards event page.
2026 Las Vegas RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
CHEFS
Scott Arn and Ramtin Yashar of Golden Boy Market + Deli
Dylan Jobsz of Esther's Kitchen
Aaron Lee of Winnie and Ethel's Downtown Diner
Daniela Romero of Bazaar Mar by José Andrés
Jackson Stamper of Ada's
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas
RESTAURATEUR
DJ Flores of Nivel Hospitality Group
COMMUNITY
Presented by Resy
Alex White, Cameron White, and Dani White of Yukon Pizza
CONCEPT
Jerad Howard of Vesta Coffee Roasters
PASTRY CHEFS
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Jackie Mai of Don's Prime at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
BAKER
Andrea McLean of Popnpies
BARTENDERS
Presented by Campari Academy
Joe Arakawa of EDO Hospitality
Kat Calma of The Dustland Bar
SOMMELIERS
Joshua Dunson of Ocean Prime Las Vegas at 63 CityCenter
Cristie Norman of Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas
BREWER
Megan Hanley of Able Baker Brewing
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Jolene Mannina of Fortune Events
LAS VEGAS 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, Campari Academy, Jade Range, Vulcan, Seafood Scotland, Shun Cutlery, King Arthur Baking Company, Tripleseat, Westholme Wagyu, Wynn Las Vegas, The Just One Project, CHS Communications & Marketing
