Banchet Foundation Announced 2027 Award Finalists
The prestigious Chicago food awards revealed nominees ahead of a January ceremony at the Harris Theater.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The Banchet Foundation has officially announced the finalists for the 2027 Banchet Awards, which celebrate excellence in the Chicago culinary scene. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards program, which is named for the legendary restaurateur Jean Banchet.
Why it matters
These awards aim to highlight the depth and diversity of the local food scene, ensuring that both prominent chefs and often overlooked establishments receive formal recognition. The foundation also plans to expand its impact through increased year-round programming.
The awards, now in their 25th year, honor contributions to the Chicago food scene. The upcoming ceremony will be held at the Harris Theater, located at 205 E. Randolph St.
The players
Paul Kahan
He is a prominent Chicago chef who will receive the 2027 Culinary Excellence Award.
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
This local establishment is set to receive the 2027 Iconic Restaurant Award.
Sarah Stegner
She is a chef who will be presented with the inaugural Environmental Leadership Award.
Jean Banchet
He was a celebrated chef known for running the restaurant Le Francais.
Banchet Foundation
This organization oversees the annual awards program and local culinary programming.
The details
An anonymous committee of foodies selected the finalists, with foundation leadership personally notifying recipients at their respective restaurants. Notable honors include the Culinary Excellence Award for Paul Kahan, the Iconic Restaurant Award for Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen, and an inaugural Environmental Leadership Award for Sarah Stegner.
Timeline
1970s and 1980s: Jean Banchet operated the notable Le Francais restaurant in Wheeling.
September 29, 2026: The foundation director visited restaurants to deliver nomination news.
September 30, 2026: The finalists for the 2027 awards were officially announced.
January 31, 2027: Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony.
Industry Dynamics
The relocation to the Harris Theater reflects a growing scale for the Banchet Awards as they celebrate their 25-year milestone. This shift aligns with broader trends in the culinary world where regional awards are increasingly adopting the production scale of professional industry galas.
The awards ceremony moves to the larger Harris Theater venue, providing more space for the public and industry members to attend the January event. Fans and patrons can follow the foundation's updates for ticket availability and the eventual announcement of all winners.
The takeaway
The Banchet Awards continue to serve as a bellwether for Chicago culinary standards by recognizing both established icons and emerging environmental leaders. Residents looking to support the local scene can look forward to the ceremony on January 31 as a way to engage with the city's top talent.
Further reading
For more news on the city's culinary landscape, visit our Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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