The food and beverage industry has always been a powerful force for cultural celebration and community building. This September, one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year returns to Phoenix, bringing together celebrity chefs, industry leaders, and passionate advocates for a cause that’s reshaping the future of Latino representation in professional kitchens across America.
A Weekend That Goes Beyond Great Food
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s third annual Aarón y Amigos isn’t just another food and beverage industry gathering—it’s a movement. Scheduled for September 26-27, 2025, this two-night celebration combines world-class culinary experiences with meaningful social impact, all while highlighting the rich traditions of Latino culture during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Presented by Cayman Jack, the event transforms the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge into a culinary destination where every bite served and every dollar raised directly supports the next generation of Latino culinary professionals. With more than $1.6 million already invested in scholarships and community programs, this weekend represents the hospitality industry at its most purposeful.
“When we invest in young people’s passions and their basic needs, we create real change,” explains Brian Kish, President of Emeril Lagasse Foundation. “The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund does just that—offering tools, support, and opportunities that help young people grow stronger, healthier, and more confident in every part of their lives.”
The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund: Changing Lives Through Culinary Arts
At the heart of Aarón y Amigos lies the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program that addresses one of the food service industry’s most pressing challenges: diversity in leadership positions. Created through a partnership between Chef Aarón Sánchez and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, the fund operates on a simple but powerful premise—removing barriers and opening doors for Latino youth passionate about culinary careers.
The fund’s impact extends far beyond traditional scholarship programs. It encompasses:
Culinary Arts Education
- Comprehensive scholarships for aspiring culinary professionals
- Mentorship programs connecting students with industry veterans
- Career pathway guidance helping recipients navigate the complex food and beverage management landscape
- Professional development opportunities at leading food and beverage companies
Community Nutrition and Food Access
- Grant funding for organizations committed to nutrition education
- Equitable food access initiatives in underserved Latino communities
- Crisis feeding programs addressing immediate food security needs
- Educational workshops on healthy meal preparation and nutrition
“Food has always been a way that I honor my Latino heritage, and it’s also the perfect vehicle for helping others,” says Chef Aarón Sánchez. “This event brings together some of my closest friends and favorite chefs to share that spirit of generosity and to invest in the next generation. Our youth are our most valuable resource!”
A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup
The 2025 Aarón y Amigos brings together an impressive roster of culinary talent that reads like a who’s who of the modern food and beverage industry. Chef Aarón Sánchez will be joined by his “amigos” from across the country, each bringing their unique culinary perspective to this special weekend.
Friday Night VIP Experience
The weekend kicks off Friday, September 26, with an intimate VIP dinner at Tell Your Friends, Scottsdale’s premier speakeasy. This exclusive experience, limited to Weekend and Sponsorship Package holders, features Chefs Aarón Sánchez and Beau MacMillan collaborating on a specially curated menu that promises to showcase both chefs’ innovative approaches to modern American cuisine.
Saturday’s Main Event: A Culinary Celebration
Saturday, September 27, at Tía Carmen transforms into a culinary wonderland featuring celebrity chefs who represent the diversity and innovation driving today’s food and beverage trends:
- Amanda Freitag (New York, NY) – Television personality and restaurateur known for her modern American cuisine
- Angelo Sosa (Phoenix, AZ) – James Beard-nominated chef bringing Asian-Latin fusion expertise
- Rick Moonen (Las Vegas, NV) – Sustainable seafood advocate and James Beard Award winner
- Brian Landry (New Orleans, LA) – Gulf Coast cuisine specialist and hospitality industry veteran
- James Porter (Prescott, AZ) – Farm-to-table innovator focusing on regional Arizona ingredients
- Cory Oppold (Scottsdale, AZ) – Local culinary talent known for contemporary American fare
- Angel Aug (Phoenix, AZ) – Rising star in the Phoenix food scene
The Complete Culinary Experience
Guests attending Saturday’s main event can expect a comprehensive food and beverage experience that showcases the full spectrum of modern hospitality excellence:
Curated Tasting Menu
Each participating chef will present signature dishes that highlight their culinary philosophy while celebrating Latino flavors and techniques. The menu promises to demonstrate the innovation and creativity that’s driving current food and beverage trends across the industry.
Premium Beverage Program
The open bar features Cayman Jack as the presenting sponsor, alongside carefully selected premium spirits and wines that complement the evening’s culinary offerings. This thoughtful beverage curation reflects the sophisticated palate of today’s food and beverage management professionals.
Live Entertainment and Networking
Beyond the exceptional food and drink, the evening includes live music that celebrates Latino culture, creating an atmosphere that encourages networking among food service industry leaders, hospitality executives, and procurement directors.
Auction Experiences That Make a Difference
Both silent and live auctions throughout the weekend offer unique opportunities for guests to acquire one-of-a-kind experiences while directly supporting the Impact Fund’s mission. Past auctions have featured everything from exclusive dining experiences with celebrity chefs to behind-the-scenes access at major food and beverage companies.
These auction items not only provide value for attendees but also demonstrate how the hospitality industry can leverage its network and resources for meaningful social impact.
Industry Partnership and Sponsorship Impact
The success of Aarón y Amigos reflects the food and beverage industry’s commitment to diversity and community investment. Beyond presenting sponsor Cayman Jack, the event enjoys support from key industry partners including:
- Aristocrat Gaming – Demonstrating crossover support from the entertainment industry
- Food & Beverage Magazine – Providing media coverage and industry reach
- Entravision – Bringing Latino media expertise and community connections
These partnerships illustrate how successful food and beverage sustainability initiatives require collaboration across multiple sectors of the hospitality industry.
Getting Involved: Tickets and Packages
For food and beverage industry professionals looking to participate in this meaningful celebration, several options are available through aaronsanchezimpactfund.com/amigos25:
Individual Tickets
- Main event Saturday tickets provide access to all chef stations, premium bar, entertainment, and auction participation
Weekend Packages
- Include both Friday VIP dinner and Saturday main event
- Offer the complete Aarón y Amigos experience
- Limited availability due to venue capacity
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Provide maximum impact for food and beverage companies looking to support diversity initiatives
- Include premium branding and networking opportunities
- Customizable based on company goals and budget
The Broader Impact on Hospitality Industry Diversity
Aarón y Amigos represents more than a single fundraising event—it’s part of a larger movement within the food service industry to address systemic underrepresentation in leadership positions. According to industry data, Latino professionals remain significantly underrepresented in food and beverage director and food and beverage manager roles, despite comprising a large percentage of the industry workforce.
Programs like the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund are essential for creating pathways that allow talented individuals to advance from entry-level positions to hospitality manager and foodservice executive roles. This type of intentional investment in talent development benefits the entire industry by ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of both the workforce and the communities served.
Looking Forward: September 26-27 in Phoenix
As September approaches, the anticipation within the food and beverage industry continues to build. Aarón y Amigos has established itself as more than just another industry event—it’s become a symbol of how the hospitality industry can leverage its collective resources and influence to create lasting positive change.
For attendees, the weekend promises exceptional culinary experiences, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and the satisfaction of supporting a cause that directly impacts the future of the food service industry. For the Latino youth who benefit from the Impact Fund, it represents opportunity, mentorship, and the possibility of achieving their professional dreams.
The third annual Aarón y Amigos proves that when the food and beverage industry comes together around shared values of excellence, community, and opportunity, the results extend far beyond any single event or initiative.
Ready to be part of this transformative weekend? Visit aaronsanchezimpactfund.com/amigos25 to secure your tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, procurement director, or hospitality industry professional, your participation directly supports the next generation of Latino culinary leaders while enjoying one of the year’s most anticipated food and beverage celebrations.
For more insights into industry events and trends that are shaping the future of food and beverage, explore our coverage of restaurant marketing strategies and hospitality technology innovations.
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.
