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Celebrating Culinary Excellence: Special Awards and Academy Chairs

On April 16, 2025, North America's 50 Best Restaurants made a significant announcement, introducing special award categories and appointing esteemed Academy Chairs for their inaugural year. This exciting occasion not only highlights the culinary landscape of North America but also underscores the contributions of remarkable individuals and establishments within the hospitality sector.

Special Award Categories

The newly introduced awards aim to honor various aspects of the dining experience and the individuals who enhance it. Here are the notable categories:

• - Champions of Change Award: This award honors unsung heroes in the hospitality industry who are making strides towards inclusivity and sustainable practices.
• - Art of Hospitality Award: Recognizing excellence in restaurant service and overall dining experiences, this award aims to celebrate those creating unforgettable moments for their guests.
• - One To Watch Award: This accolade identifies a promising new restaurant considered likely to shine in future rankings, spotlighting rising stars in the culinary world.
• - Icon Award: Designed to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry, this award acknowledges long-lasting impacts.
• - North America's Best Pastry Chef Award: Acknowledging excellence in pastry and dessert preparation, this award showcases the artistry and skill behind confectionery creations.
• - North America's Best Sommelier Award: This award honors professionals who exhibit outstanding innovation and knowledge in wine service and education.
• - Chefs' Choice Award: Voted on by peers within the culinary community, this award recognizes chefs who have made significant positive impacts in the past year.
• - Sustainable Restaurant Award: This accolade is given to a restaurant that has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through rigorous evaluation.
• - Best in Destination Awards: This award recognizes the top restaurant in each of the eight sub-regions of North America, promoting local culinary gems.
• - The Best Restaurant in North America: The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the number one restaurant in the region, sponsored by S.Pellegrino Acqua Panna.

Academy Chairs

In addition to the award categories, the selection of Academy Chairs marks a pivotal development. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise and extensive networks to the table, ensuring a broad representation of culinary voices. The appointed chairs for this year include:

• - Adrian Brijbassi (Canada West)
• - Jamila Robinson (USA Northeast)
• - Lesley Chesterman (Canada East)
• - Lyndsay Green (USA Midwest)
• - Mike Jordan (USA South)
• - Renée Suen (Canada Central)
• - Virginia Miller (USA West)
• - Nneka Nurse (Caribbean)

Each Academy Chair is tasked with selecting a panel that will reflect diverse culinary perspectives in their assessment process.

Looking Forward

The unveiling of these special categories and esteemed Academy Chairs sets the stage for an exciting and dynamic first year of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. As the culinary world continues to evolve, these awards aim to promote excellence in cooking, service, and sustainability, encouraging a brighter future for the industry. More information about this exciting initiative can be found at 50 Best.

As the inaugural events approach, anticipation builds around not only who will take home these prestigious awards but also how the recognition will influence the future of North American dining. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are eager to see the incredible talent and innovations that will emerge from this community.