Press Release

RAMW TO UNVEIL RAMMYS SEMI-FINALISTS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Contact: media@ramw.org

WASHINGTON (March 16, 2026) — The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) will unveil Semi-Finalists across 19 categories for the 44 th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala throughout the week of March 16. For the first time in the awards’ four-decade history, the Semi-Finalist announcements will offer an early look at the chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals in the running for one of the region’s most prestigious industry honors.

“The RAMMYS have always been about celebrating the people who make Washington’s dining scene so dynamic,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “Introducing Semi-Finalists allows us to expand the circle of recognition of chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals who are pushing the industry forward and making Washington one of the most exciting food cities in the country.”

Presented annually by RAMW, The RAMMYS celebrate excellence across the region’s restaurant and food service community — from innovative beverage programs and top-tier service to culinary creativity and industry leadership. The expanded process highlights more of the talented individuals and businesses shaping the Washington region’s dining landscape while building anticipation as the field is narrowed to five Finalists in each category. The Finalists will be revealed at The RAMMYS Finalist Announcement on April 6 at The Hamilton Live.

Semi-Finalists will be revealed daily at 3 p.m. from Monday, March 16, through Thursday, March 19, via RAMW’s social media channels and TheRAMMYS.org.

Semi-Finalist Announcement Schedule

Monday, March 16:

  • New Restaurant of the Year
  • Rising Culinary Star of the Year
  • Wine Program of the Year
  • Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year
  • Manager of the Year
  • Employee of the Year

Tuesday, March 17:

  • Beer Program of the Year
  • Service Program of the Year
  • Chef of the Year
  • Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year
  • Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
  • Cocktail Program of the Year

Wednesday, March 18:

  • Restaurateur of the Year
  • Casual Restaurant of the Year
  • Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year

Thursday, March 19 — Publicly Voted Categories:

  • Favorite Gathering Place
  • Best Brunch
  • Best Bar
  • Hottest Sandwich Spot

The 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala takes place on Monday, June 29. For the first time, the awards ceremony will be held at the iconic Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater, followed by an expanded post-awards celebration at The Anthem, bringing together leaders, professionals and supporters from across the region at The Wharf, one of DC’s most vibrant hospitality districts.

Sponsorships and tickets for The RAMMYS are available now at TheRAMMYS.org.

Jurisdiction:

Virginia