Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Arizona’s Top Chefs Return for a Summer-Long Dinner Series Supporting Local Restaurants During the Industry’s Toughest Season

Phoenix, AZ — April 22, 2026 — Arizona’s independent restaurants have always been more than just places to eat. They are the heartbeats of our neighborhoods, the creative outlets of passionate chefs, and gathering spaces where stories unfold over shared plates. This summer, you are invited to support the Valley’s vibrant dining community by taking part in a unique and meaningful culinary journey: The 2026 Devour Summer Chef Series.

Running from May through September, the Summer Chef Series is a 5-part dinner collaboration featuring five of Arizona’s most celebrated chefs. Each month, two chefs will unite to craft an exclusive 4-course pairing menu, spotlighting local ingredients, seasonal flavors and their shared love for Arizona’s culinary scene. Hosted across five different restaurants, each experience offers guests an intimate, immersive look into the spirit of collaboration that defines our food community.

But this series isn’t just about the food — it’s about showing up for the people who make it.

“Summer is the most challenging season for independent restaurants in Arizona,” said Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. “The Devour Summer Chef Series is our way of celebrating the chefs, teams and industry that pour their hearts into this work all year long. It’s a chance to support local in the most delicious way possible.”

EVENT DETAILS:

Five Dinners | Five Chefs | Five Unique Experiences

Fourth Tuesday of Each Month | 6 p.m. | Extremely Limited Seats

• May 26: Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Justin Beckett | Beckett’s Table

• June 23: Chefs Justin Beckett, Bernie Kantak & Scott Holmes | The Gladly

• July 28: Chefs Gio Osso & Lori Hashimoto | Hana Japanese Eatery

• Aug. 25: Chefs Bernie Kantak & Stephen Jones | Camello

• Sept. 22: Chefs Stephen Jones & Gio Osso | Virtu Honest Craft

Tickets are limited for this series of 5 collaborative dinners and are expected to sell out quickly. Individual dinner tickets are available for $250 per dinner. Each event offers not only a remarkable meal but a chance to be part of something bigger: supporting Arizona’s independent restaurants when they need it most.

Celebrate local. Eat local. Support local. This is your invitation to experience summer through the eyes — and talents — of Arizona’s finest.

Reserve your seat and be part of an unforgettable summer rooted in purpose, passion and community.

Learn more at devourgoodfood.com/summer-chefs-series.

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About Devour Good Food

Devour Good Food is an initiative of Local First Arizona dedicated to strengthening Arizona’s local food system — connecting consumers with locally owned restaurants, independent farms and food businesses across the state. Learn more at devourgoodfood.com.

About Local First Arizona

Local First Arizona is a non-profit organization fiercely dedicated to driving inclusive community and economic development throughout Arizona. Its work shapes the future of Arizona by advocating that every individual and community deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that entrepreneurship is at the core of any lasting economy. In rural, Tribal, suburban and urban communities across the state, Local First is delivering resources to ensure a future focused on economic opportunity for all.