03/05/2026
Reno Food & Drink Week Returns March 18–31, 2026, with Reimagined Format and Curated Lineup of 26 Standout Locations
Reno Food & Drink Week returns March 18–31, 2026, unveiling a fully reimagined, standards-driven format, a curated list of 26 food-and-drink establishments, and a structured awards process designed to recognize excellence that is earned.
Founded in 2020 by Cheree Boteler through Hungry in Reno, Reno Food & Drink Week originally operated under a traditional event model that included a registration fee for participating establishments. That structure helped generate visibility and momentum during a challenging period for the hospitality industry.
Beginning in 2026, the event has evolved into an invitation-only, performance-based experience. Participation is no longer tied to a registration fee. Establishments are selected based on demonstrated consistency, quality, hospitality, cleanliness, and overall guest experience.
The event is designed to elevate Reno’s culinary culture through transparency, integrity, and evaluation rooted in real guest experience.
Participating Establishments
The following establishments have been selected for the 2026 Reno Food & Drink Week:
10 Torr Distilling & Brewing
Bangkok Cuisine
Batch Cupcakery
Belleville Wine Bar
Bistro Napa at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Bouchée Confections
Centro
Charlie Palmer Steak at Grand Sierra Resort
Daddy’s Tacos
Dorinda’s Chocolates
Full Belly Deli
Great Full Gardens
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange
Mix Bakeshop
Noble Pie Parlor
Perenn Bakery within the Village at Rancharrah
R Town Pizza
Red Bloom at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Rising for the People Coffee
Rolled: Mountain Creamery
Rum Sugar Lime
Süp
The Emerson
The Wheyfarer
The Z Bar
Whispering Vine on 4th Street
Additionally, three curated Experiences will take place during the event:
• 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing + Dorinda’s Chocolates on Mar. 18
• Great Basin Brewing Co. on Mar. 19 and Mar. 25
• High Mark Distillery + The Wheyfarer on Mar. 27
Space is limited for each Experience, and tickets will be available for purchase exclusively through the Reno Food & Drink Week website.
How the Public Can Participate
Reno Food & Drink Week is designed for the community. Guests are invited to visit participating establishments between March 18 and March 31 and submit quick evaluations based on three categories: Food & Drink Quality & Ex*****on, Service & Hospitality, and Perceived Cleanliness.
Public feedback directly determines which eight establishments advance to the second stage of evaluation — the top four in The Showcases category and the top four in The Features category. All evaluations must be submitted by April 1, 2026, and only visits occurring during the event window qualify.
A Merit-Based Awards Structure
Reno Food & Drink Week awards are earned — not purchased, applied for, or influenced by sponsorship.
The event recognizes excellence through two highest distinctions: The Medallion and The Silver Star.
The Medallion is awarded to one location within The Showcases category and honors consistent excellence across food and drink quality, hospitality, and care of the physical space.
The Silver Star is awarded to one location within The Features category and recognizes outstanding creativity, originality, and ex*****on.
Winners are determined through a two-stage evaluation process. During the event, verified public guest feedback determines the top four establishments in each category. Those eight locations advance to a second round of secret judging conducted under normal operating conditions. Final awards reflect a weighted combination of public scoring and secret judge evaluation.
Only one Medallion and one Silver Star are awarded each year.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for businesses seeking alignment with a curated, credibility-driven celebration of Reno’s culinary community. Sponsors help underwrite production, storytelling, and award recognition while receiving meaningful visibility across trusted digital, media, and event channels.
Sponsors do not influence invitations, judging, scoring, or outcomes. All evaluation processes remain independent and grounded in established criteria and real guest experiences, preserving the integrity of the event.
Businesses may also participate by contributing raffle items.
Strategic Partners Elevating the Event
The 2026 event is made possible through strategic partnerships that support both production quality and long-term brand integrity.
Swizzle has served as a foundational partner since the beginning of Reno Food & Drink Week. Swizzle leads the production of event materials, merchandise, and visual assets that reinforce the event’s elevated positioning. Their involvement extends beyond deliverables to strategic collaboration, helping ensure consistency, professionalism, and long-term credibility.
Fullsphere Digital serves as the official photography and video partner, capturing the visual narrative of Reno Food & Drink Week across participating establishments. Their work documents the event in real time and strengthens storytelling across platforms, providing high-quality assets that support both the event brand and participating businesses.
Additional media and amplification partners include edible Reno-Tahoe, KOLO 8 News Now, and Reno Media Group, helping broaden community awareness and celebrate Reno’s food-and-drink culture before, during, and after the event window.
More information about the event can be found at RenoFoodandDrinkWeek.com.
