Tucson Chef Joseph Sotomayor Named 2026 Favorite Chef
News related to:James Beard Foundation · 2 min read
PHOENIX, Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Tucson Chef Joseph Sotomayor has been named the 2026 Favorite Chef by Colossal, the leading professional fundraiser for purpose-driven online competitions. Sotomayor, known for his bold and memorable flavors, will receive a $25,000 prize, a feature in Taste of Home magazine, and a cooking experience with renowned chef Carla Hall on Chewed Up.
Sotomayor’s journey began with a family catering business that inspired his passion for Southwest and Mexican cuisine. Over the past 13 years, he has operated a popular food truck in Tucson, Arizona, serving local neighborhoods and the local VA hospital. His culinary creations have brought joy and unique flavors to the community.
The 2026 Favorite Chef competition, which raised over $1.6 million, has now cumulatively generated $14,606,950 since 2023. These funds support the James Beard Foundation’s mission to help independent restaurants thrive and advance a more equitable and sustainable food system. Colossal, the competition’s organizer, partners with DTCare to grant the funds to the Foundation.
Erica Helms, Chief Growth Officer of the James Beard Foundation, expressed gratitude to Colossal and its partners.
The competition also honored Chef Dhanapol for his Thai Phla Beef on Crispy Rice Cracker, which was selected as the Critic’s Pick. This dish will be featured at the Foundation’s 2026 annual gala.
Favorite Chef has become a nationwide celebration of culinary skill, creativity, and heart. Public voting determines the winners, providing competitors with an opportunity to build support and exposure for their culinary ambitions while contributing to a larger charitable mission.
John Boos & Co., Shun Cutlery, and King’s Hawaiian sponsored the competition, supporting the culinary community and the Foundation’s mission. Since 2023, the competition has brought together professional chefs, home cooks, and culinary creators, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for good food.
The James Beard Foundation, through its prestigious awards and industry-focused programming, continues to lead the culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence. Their mission of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry remains central to their work, as they advocate for policies that affect the broader food system.
With the success of the 2026 Favorite Chef competition, the Foundation and its partners are well-positioned to continue their mission of supporting the culinary community and promoting good food for good.