2024 CHICAGO RISING STARS AWARDS

Chicago has a culinary legacy that runs deep, but for a city named after ramps, it should come as no surprise. Thanks to innovative chefs, passionate beverage professionals, dedicated artisans, and supportive diners, the city has always been a step ahead when it comes to hospitality. The remarkably encouraging community creates opportunities for industry professionals to experiment with boundary-pushing techniques and outside-the-box flavors through their concepts and menus. There is also new talent arriving every day, ready to bring their own perspectives to the table and eager to learn from the trendsetters and tastemakers in the kitchen, behind the bar, and on the floor.

From fine dining institutions to local pizza joints, it was clear to us during our time on the ground that the hospitality community is integral to the identity of the city itself. There is demand in the Windy City. It's paving the way for young professionals—as well as career changers— to integrate themselves into the industry and launch new businesses. Despite rising rents in the West Loop and other parts of Chicago, chefs are still opening new neighborhood restaurants while prominent spots from larger groups continue to thrive. 

There is progress and movement in Chicago, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, and artisans are capitalizing on this momentum, looking out for one another, and infusing their projects with a distinct point of view. The hospitality community is adding to Chicago’s rich culinary history and reaching new heights. The city is filled with hardworking and dedicated industry professionals who are more than deserving of the support and admiration they get from their diners. And we hope that never changes.