A Foodie’s Weekend Like No Other: The Third Annual Aarón y Amigos Heads to Phoenix
Food industry insiders, get ready—the culinary event of the fall is back, and this one’s set to raise both your palate and your philanthropic spirit. The third annual Aarón y Amigos presented by Cayman Jack is heating up Phoenix on September 26–27, 2025, offering food, flavor, and charitable impact in one unforgettable weekend.
Hosted by award-winning Chef Aarón Sánchez—celebrated for his work on Food Network’s “Chopped” and as the founder of the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund—the event rallies a superstar roster of “amigos,” i.e., some of the country’s most talked-about chefs. Every bite and every ticket is for a cause: all proceeds support next-generation mentorship programs for Latino youth through the Impact Fund, a program of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation (emeril.org).
With two nights packed with stellar tastes and A-list talent, Aarón y Amigos is now a can’t-miss mark on every culinary pro’s calendar—particularly those eager to network, support the next wave of talent, and, of course, eat incredibly well.
What to Expect: This Year’s Star-Studded Itinerary
Friday, September 26: Intimate “Amigos” Kickoff at Tell Your Friends
Your gastronomic journey begins Friday night at Scottsdale hotspot Tell Your Friends (@tellyourfriendsaz). The event’s kickoff is a limited, VIP-only chance to connect, catch up with industry greats, and savor exclusive flavors from critically acclaimed chefs.
- Private, speakeasy-style welcome: Expect surprise beverage experiences and a chef-driven menu crafted specifically for the event’s insiders.
- Featured chefs: Chef Aarón Sánchez (@ChefAaronSanchez), Chef Beau MacMillan (@ChefBeauMac), Chef Amanda Freitag (@ChefAmandaF), and Chef James Porter (@Chef_James_Porter)—all working the kitchen and the crowd.
- Craft cocktails and premium wine: Presented by Cayman Jack (@caymanjack), who’s bringing their own cool approach to classic refreshers.
- Live entertainment and networking: Perfect for forging connections with notable guests, sponsors, and culinary leaders.
With such limited space, the Friday event is available only through sponsorship or weekend ticket bundles, promising a truly intimate and exclusive kick-off.
Saturday, September 27: Celebrity Chef Bash at Tia Carmen
On Saturday, the main event unfolds at Tia Carmen in the JW Marriott Desert Ridge (@tiacarmenphx, @jwdesertridge). The atmosphere promises an energy boost worthy of Phoenix’s vibrant culinary scene.
- Chef-studded tasting stations: Sample dishes from the full celebrity lineup—Sánchez, Freitag, MacMillan, Porter, Brian Landry (@ChefBrianLandry), and Angelo Sosa (@ChefAngeloSosa)—bringing signature dishes and unexpected pairings to the table.
- Premium open bar: Featuring artisan spirits, curated wines, and creative cocktails.
- Live and silent auctions: Win one-of-a-kind food and travel experiences, all while contributing directly to the next wave of industry talent.
- High-energy music and ambiance: The evening is curated to be both a party and a platform for good, with high-impact moments that leave an impression.
Note: Tickets are strictly limited—this event typically sells out well in advance.
The Mission: Fueling Youth Culinary Education & Community
At its core, Aarón y Amigos is driven by a singular mission: to level the playing field for aspiring talent in the food and beverage industry. The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund empowers Latino youth through kitchen training, scholarships, and mentorship, closing opportunity gaps and creating pipelines to professional kitchens.
Aligned with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, this annual Phoenix event raises critical dollars—but also raises awareness of industry inclusion. Since its inception, the Impact Fund has supported dozens of young culinarians, many of whom are now rising stars working in restaurants nationwide.
“This event is more than a party—it’s a platform for propelling the next generation of diverse culinary leaders,” says Aarón Sánchez. “Every plate you enjoy here is an investment in our industry’s future.”
Source: aaronsanchezimpactfund.com
Meet the Amigos: The 2025 Featured Chefs & Sponsors
This year’s “amigos” are a collection of culinary innovators, TV personalities, and Michelin-starred powerhouses. Get to know your hosts and sponsors:
Hosts & Venues
- Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund: Beneficiary, driving impact in culinary education (@aaronsanchezimpactfund)
- Emeril Lagasse Foundation: Presenting this impact event (@emerilorg)
- Tell Your Friends: Venue for Friday’s speakeasy dinner (@tellyourfriendsaz)
- Tia Carmen @ JW Marriott Desert Ridge: Saturday’s main stage (@tiacarmenphx, @jwdesertridge)
- Cayman Jack: Presenting sponsor keeping the cocktails inventive and flowing (@caymanjack)
Featured Chefs (“Amigos”)
- Chef Aarón Sánchez (@ChefAaronSanchez), Impact Fund founder and TV icon
- Chef Amanda Freitag (@ChefAmandaF), judge on “Chopped” and published cookbook author
- Chef Beau MacMillan (@ChefBeauMac), Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” alum and Arizona favorite
- Chef Brian Landry (@ChefBrianLandry), New Orleans seafood maestro
- Chef James Porter (@Chef_James_Porter), a local legend with a focus on regional, seasonal excellence
- Chef Angelo Sosa (@ChefAngeloSosa), known for innovative, global flavors
For expanded chef profiles and behind-the-scenes content, follow each on Instagram or check out the Impact Fund’s official event website.
Why Phoenix—and Why This Matters to Hospitality Pros
Unlike the familiar glitz of coastal food fests, Aarón y Amigos brings a fresh, community-driven approach. For F&B professionals, this event is a masterclass not only in culinary creativity, but also in leveraging your craft for good.
Key takeaways for industry leaders:
- Networking: Connect with C-suite executives, chefs, educators, and F&B media—from Food & Beverage Magazine, of course—to exchange insights and build relationships.
- Trendspotting: Witness high-impact menu engineering, beverage trends, and event production strategies that translate into your own business.
- Brand alignment: Supporting inclusive, charity-focused initiatives builds goodwill and authentic community impact—qualities today’s guests, especially millennial and Gen Z diners, expect.
- Professional development: Rising stars and established chefs alike can observe how top talent curates both exclusive and large-scale experiences under one event umbrella.
If you’re looking for more ways to give back through food, see our recent coverage on restaurateurs leveraging cause marketing and premium event management.
How to Attend: Tickets, Packages & Insider Tips
With demand surging, only a limited number of tickets remain for Aarón y Amigos 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
- Event Dates & Locations
- Friday, September 26: Tell Your Friends, Scottsdale
- Saturday, September 27: Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix
- Tickets & Packages
- General admission for Saturday’s main event
- Weekend and VIP packages include Friday speakeasy dinner
- Sponsorship opportunities for brands looking to make a difference and gain exposure
- 21+ Only: Both events are adults-only experiences.
- How to Purchase:
Visit www.aaronsanchezimpactfund.com for tickets, sponsorship, and more info.
Pro Tip: Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot—and to get your name on the guest list for the Friday night VIP dinner.
Social Hashtags & How to Join the Conversation
Don’t forget to join the buzz, tag, and follow for pre-event exclusives, live coverage, and chef Q&As:
- #AaronyAmigos
- #AmigosWeekend
- #AmigosWithPurpose
- #AaronSanchezImpactFund
- #EmerilLagasseFoundation
Instagram handles to follow include @aaronsanchezimpactfund, @emerilorg, @tellyourfriendsaz, @tiacarmenphx, @jwdesertridge, and @caymanjack.
One Weekend—Infinite Impact
More than a food festival, Aarón y Amigos is about building an industry and a world where everyone has a seat at the table—and a chance to thrive. For hospitality leaders, it’s an example of using your platform for powerful change. For food lovers, it’s a culinary fantasy brought to life. For young culinarians, it might just be the first step on a path to greatness.
So, whether you’re a chef, owner, brand rep, or a passionate foodie, the message is clear: get your ticket, bring your appetite, and be part of something unforgettable.
For interviews, chef insights, industry trends, and more, visit Food & Beverage Magazine regularly.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
