Michael Muser is a 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry and has been involved with the Jean Banchet Awards since 2013. He has emceed the show for more than 10 years, and stepped up in 2023 to keep The Banchets alive during a sponsor transition. He believes in the culinary talent and originality that has made Chicago a world-class dining destination and feels strongly that it should be recognized.

Muser also is co-owner and director of operations for two-Michelin-starred Ever restaurant and After lounge in Chicago. He is an accomplished sommelier who was named a Sommelier of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine in 2014.