Arizona Chef’s Week returns July 31–August 9, 2026, bringing together Arizona’s top chef-driven restaurants for a curated culinary event designed to celebrate creativity, drive summer business, and give diners an unforgettable dining experience during the slower summer season.
Inspired by the success of Arizona Restaurant Week, this once-a-year event shines a spotlight on Arizona-based, independent culinary concepts through elevated three-course prix-fixe menus priced at $55 or $66 per person. Chef’s Week encourages restaurants to go beyond their everyday offerings and create limited-time menus that showcase innovation, seasonality, and the unique talent behind their kitchens.
Guests can expect bold flavors, inventive presentations, and exclusive dishes available only during Arizona Chef’s Week — making it one of the most exciting culinary events of the summer.
In addition to featured menus at participating restaurants statewide, diners can also look forward to specialty chef dinners, collaborations, and unique culinary experiences taking place throughout the week, with additional event announcements coming soon.
Registration Fees:
$250 per Restaurant Concept/Location
*please note this is an ARA member only event, please reach out to Jamie for more details on becoming a member and joining the event.*
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Participation Deadline – July 1
- Menus Due – July 10
- Website Launches – July 15-17
- Event Dates – July 31 – August 9
Event Structure
Participating restaurants will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu priced at either $55 or $66 per person. Menus should be thoughtfully crafted to showcase the restaurant’s culinary identity while delivering an elevated dining experience for guests.
Who Can Participate?
Arizona Chef’s Week is exclusively for Arizona-based, chef-driven and independently owned restaurant concepts. Participation is limited and all interested restaurants will complete a brief application and introductory conversation with our team before acceptance.
What Makes Chef’s Week Different?
Unlike Restaurant Week, Arizona Chef’s Week is intentionally curated to spotlight culinary creativity, innovation, and the chefs behind the menu.
Participating chefs are encouraged to build menus around seasonal ingredients, chef-inspired creations, and limited-time offerings that are exclusive to the event. While signature dishes may be incorporated where appropriate, menus should go beyond a collection of everyday menu items and instead provide guests with a unique experience they can only enjoy during Arizona Chef’s Week.
This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, tell your culinary story, and give diners a compelling reason to visit your restaurant this summer.
Have Additional Questions?
Feel free to reach out to Jamie Stone at the Arizona Restaurant Association
Jamie@azrestaurant.org or – 602-307-9134 ext. 118
ARW is produced by the Arizona Restaurant Association with the primary goals of increasing consumption, fostering innovation and inspiring consumer confidence in our restaurant members and ARW participants – because after all, you are where you eat.
Think Your Concept Is Chef’s Week Ready?
Participation in Arizona Chef’s Week is limited to chef-driven, Arizona-based restaurant independent concepts that align with the vision and elevated dining experience of the event.
To help ensure the best possible experience for both participating restaurants and diners, all interested restaurants will complete a brief introductory conversation with our team prior to acceptance. During this process, we’ll review event expectations, menu qualifications, participation requirements, and overall fit for the event.
Arizona Chef’s Week is designed to spotlight creativity, culinary talent, and exceptional dining experiences across the state — and we’re excited to connect with chefs and restaurant teams who share that vision.
All sign ups will be reviewed by the Arizona Restaurant Association, and final participant selection will be based on the event’s goals, standards, and overall experience for diners. If a restaurant is not deemed as qualified for the event, a refund will be provided.
Interested in Sponsoring?
Reach out to Jamie Stone for more details and to craft your perfect opportunities!