2022 STARCHEFS DENVER RISING STARS AWARDS


JULY 19 to AUGUST 2

The Mile High City is standing taller and taller by the minute. That really comes as no surprise—you've got the mountains right in your backyard, 300 days of sunshine, and more dispensaries than there are Starbucks. Over the course of our three, week-long trips, we met with more than 100 restaurant professionals across the Denver Metro Area. Some were longtime Coloradans and some recently moved to the Centennial State; either way, they have no intention of leaving.

Denver is made for work-life balance. Most restaurants close before 9PM, giving chefs the opportunity to get to bed early and wake up for a morning hike on the Flatirons. Some of the best food is found within food halls or at food trucks parked outside of breweries, allowing emerging entrepreneurs to workshop their concepts at a low cost. Hospitality pros in Denver are eager to tell their stories, launching businesses that are so uniquely personal to them.

The class of 2022 Denver Rising Stars mirrors the upward momentum of the Mile High City. Maybe it's the altitude. Maybe it's the fresh air. Maybe it's the creative talent of our 18 Rising Stars. Whatever it is, we dig that Denver lifestyle.

RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 18 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Denver community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page .

  • CHEF

    Manuel Barella Lopez
    Bellota

  • CHEF

    Dave Hadley
    Samosa Shop

  • CHEFS

    Anthony & Anna Nguyen
    sắp sửa

  • CHEF

    Taylor Stark
    The Wolf's Tailor

  • CHEF

    Brian Wilson
    Cart-Driver LoHi

  • GAME CHANGER

    Presented by S.Pellegrino
    Michael Diaz de Leon
    BRUTØ

  • PASTRY CHEF

    Liliana Myers
    Safta

  • COMMUNITY

    Tajahi & Danielle Cooke
    Freedom Street Social

  • COMMUNITY

    Mary Allison Wright & McLain Hedges
    Yacht Club

  • RESTAURATEURS

    Presented by Jade Range
    Jessica Richter &
    Adam Branz
    Split Lip, an Eat Place

  • BAKER

    Shawn Bergin
    Bakery Four

  • BARTENDER

    presented by Beam Suntory
    Alex Jump
    Death & Co

  • SOMMELIER

    Clara Klein
    Sunday Vinyl

  • SOMMELIER

    Chris Rogers
    Tavernetta

  • MENTOR

    Presented by Vitamix Commercial
    Kelly Whitaker
    id est

  • HOST CHEF

    Saura Kline
    Local Jones at Halcyon Cherry Creek

STARCHEFS SUPPORTS

Comal Heritage Food Incubator is the official charity partner of the 2022 Denver Rising Stars Awards. In partnership with Focus Points Family Resource Center, Comal supports immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in the Denver community. Since its launch in 2016, the training program has served 24 participants and helped launch 4 businesses. For each Cochinita Pibil sold at Comal during the Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $5 to the incubator training program.

RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Tuesday, July 19 to Tuesday, August 2. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, drinks, and pairings that wowed the StarChefs editorial team. With $100 restaurant gift cards up for grabs, don't miss your chance to win! Order any of the featured dishes or drinks and share an Instagram story or post to enter. You must tag @StarChefs and #StarChefsRisingStars to be considered.