A butcher shop, an Italian joint and a homegrown American eatery all have one thing in common: they are among the 2026 RAMMYS finalists in Montgomery County.
Described as the region’s “premier celebration of culinary excellence,” The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s RAMMYS Awards honor the individuals and teams across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia’s dining scene.
Zinnia
Jose Luis Salgado of Silver Spring’s Zinnia is nominated for Employee of the Year, which honors a nonmanagerial employee who “serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic, and a positive image,” according to a news release.
Zinnia is a casual-upscale eatery serving American fare, beer and wine amid cozy interiors and gardens.
Salgado is one of Zinnia’s longest-tenured team members, according to an Instagram post by the eatery. He was also an employee of Mrs. K’s Toll House, the historic restaurant that was replaced by Zinnia after it closed in 2020.
“He knows Zinnia backwards and forwards,” the Instagram post read. “It’s no surprise to anyone he’s a semifinalist, as he’s always there for anyone who needs him. We treasure working with Jose Luis, and we’re so glad to see his work be recognized!”
Soko Butcher
Takoma Park-based Soko Butcher is among the five nominees for Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year, defined as a casual restaurant, quick-serve or mobile vendor with a menu dedicated to sandwiches that demonstrate excellence and skill. It’s the butcher shop’s third consecutive year as a finalist in this category.
Hottest Sandwich Spot is among the five categories that will be decided by the public.
Known for its Philly cheesesteaks, Soko offers a variety of sandwiches that span cuisines, with sauces such as chimichurri, gochujang mayonnaise and tzatziki. The fare is so popular that its chef and owner recently expanded to Northern Virginia with a new Leesburg location.
Caruso’s Grocery
Matt Adler, chef and owner of Caruso’s Grocery, was once again nominated for Chef of the Year, following a 2025 nomination.
Passionate about Italy and Italian cooking, Adler opened the Italian American red-sauce joint in Capitol Hill in 2021 and North Bethesda in November 2024. Caruso’s Grocery serves up classics such as chicken parmesan, penne alla vodka and shrimp scampi, the latter being Adler’s favorite dish, according to a 2024 Instagram post.
Before that, he worked for Convivio, a Michelin-starred and New York Times three-star restaurant. In 2013, Adler brought his experience to D.C. as the executive chef at Osteria Morini and now serves as its culinary advisor.
San Pancho
San Pancho in Takoma Park has rapidly gained attention since opening in July 2024. San Pancho brands itself as a “chill restaurant whipping up San Francisco-style burritos, Mexican tortas and vegan options.” The husband-and-wife burrito shop is a nominee for Best Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year.
They’re no strangers to the RAMMYS. San Pancho was a finalist for New Restaurant of the Year in 2025.
The owners, married couple David Perez and Carolina McCandless, said they wanted to bring San Francisco-style Mexican food to Takoma Park, using “authentic Mexican flavors and ingredients” in a “trendy atmosphere” with lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
San Pancho’s Sonoran flour tortillas are imported from Mexico, giving its burritos and tacos a unique flavor and texture, Montgomery Magazine reported in September.
“Thanks to RAMW DC panelists for choosing us! This recognition means so much to us and is a testament to the tireless work of our team and this dream to bring a little bit of the BAY to the DMV,” San Pancho wrote in an Instagram post. “We’re so grateful to our guests and regulars who keep the dream alive!”
The 44th annual RAMMYS Awards and gala is scheduled for June 29 at The Wharf in D.C. The public is invited to the post-awards celebration at The Anthem beginning at 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit therammys.org.
