OUR STORY

The Banchet Awards are an annual celebration of culinary excellence in Chicago, gathering Chicagoland’s foremost chefs, culinary and beverage professionals, and restaurant enthusiasts. It is the sole Chicago-based awards ceremony that honors both originality and talent within the region. Named after Chef Jean Banchet and with the loving support of his devoted wife, Doris, The Banchet Foundation and Awards pay homage to his legacy and support the Chicagoland restaurant community.

Michael Muser, Executive Director of The Banchet Awards, is a renowned restaurateur and award-winning sommelier who has been a leading figure in Chicago hospitality for over 30 years.  The importance of celebrating and honoring Chicago hospitality led Michael to become involved with the Banchet Awards in 2013, and he has continued to host the event for more than a decade. 

Each year brings new chefs, new sommeliers, new restaurants, and new quirky stunts to the evening, but it will continue to pay honor to Chef Banchet and the restaurant community that he helped develop.