2022 StarChefs Nashville Rising Stars Awards
StarChefs returns to Nashville to celebrate the city’s most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals.
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 17 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 importantly, delicious food, drinks, and/or pairings win the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star. The 2022 Nashville Rising Stars will be the 76th class of Rising Stars Award winners and the second class from Nashville.
“Big city, small town - Nashville is fertile ground for both locals and transplants seeking an improved quality of life and more opportunity in the F&B industry. The consistent flow of tourism and economic growth, with its wide range of enthusiastic diners and eager palates, means both creative freedom and fuel for an industry that continues to retain its close-knit mutually supportive, small town vibe.” - StarChefs’ Managing Partner Will Blunt
For more information, visit the 2022 Nashville Rising Stars Awards page.
2022 StarChefs Nashville Rising Stars Awards Winners
CHEFS
Brian Baxter of The Catbird Seat
Michael Hanna of St. Vito Focacciaria
Leina Horii & Brian Lea of Kisser
Jake Howell of Peninsula
Colby Rasavong of Audrey
Pamela Stevenson of Henrietta Red
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Julio Hernandez of Maiz De La Vida
RESTAURATEURS
Presented by Jade Range
Chad Newton & Gracie Nguyen of You Are Here Hospitality
COMMUNITY
Bartender Hayley Teague of Hathorne
PASTRY CHEFS
Keaton Vasek & Michael Werrell of Patchwork Productions
BARTENDERS
Presented by Beam Suntory
Laura Unterberg of The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Kenneth Vanhooser of Le Loup and The Optimist
SOMMELIER
Jon Kearns of Yolan at The Joseph Nashville
ARTISANS
Baker Alyssa Gangeri of The Butter Milk Ranch and Urban Grub
Butchers Wesley Adams & Patrick Davidson of Bare Bones Butcher
Brewer Nate Underwood of Harding House Brewing Co.
Sake Brewer Byron Stithem of Proper Saké Company
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Sean Brock of Patchwork Productions
