Arizona’s Top Chefs Return for a Summer-Long Dinner Series Supporting Local Restaurants During the Industry’s Toughest Season
Images here (Photo credit to Local First Arizona, chef headshots credit to the restaurant)
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 | Becektt’s Table
• June 23: Chefs Justin Beckett & Bernie Kantak | The Gladly
• July 28: Chefs Gio Osso & Lori Hashimoto | Hana Japanese Eatery
• Aug. 25: Chefs Bernie Kantak & Stephen Jones | Venue to be announced
• 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. Beginning April 27, 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.
Tickets go on sale April 27 at $250 per dinner. Seats are extremely limited and expected to sell out fast. Learn more at devourgoodfood.com/summer-chefs-series.
P.S. Can’t attend them all? Consider gifting a dinner to a friend, family member or client — because nothing says “thinking of you” like an unforgettable meal shared in good company.
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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.
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Media Contacts:Charlotte Shaff
The Media Push for Local First Arizona
602-418-8534
Hannah Lyons
In Good Spirits Hospitality Group
480-364-4204