Andy’s Pizza, SOKO Butcher among RAMMY Award finalists

Staffer at Silver Spring’s Zinnia up for employee of the year; winners to be announced in June

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April 7, 2026 11:19 a.m.

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Locally owned Andy’s Pizza, two eateries in Takoma Park, the chef of a North Bethesda Italian restaurant and an employee at Silver Spring’s Zinnia are among the finalists announced Monday for the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s annual RAMMY dining awards.

Touted as one of the region’s most prestigious industry honors, the RAMMYs recognize top talent across the restaurant industry — from kitchen staff to chefs and restaurants — across the District, Maryland and Virginia. The association announced its list of finalists Monday night at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., narrowing the field of 190 semifinalists to 95 finalists, with five nominees in each of the 20 award categories.

“This kicks off RAMMY season for us officially — it’s exciting like the first day of school,” association CEO Sean Townsend told Bethesda Today at the event.

Winners will be announced June 29 during the association’s 44th annual RAMMY Awards & Gala at Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater in D.C.

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Montgomery County’s finalists include Andy’s Pizza, with three county locations and others around the region, and San Pancho, the Mission-style burrito shop in Takoma Park, which are in the running for fast casual restaurant of the year.

Soko Butcher, another Takoma Park eatery, was named a finalist for the hottest sandwich spot. The butcher shop specializes in sandwiches and is known for its steak and cheese sandwich. The hottest sandwich spot is among five categories in which the winner will be decided by a public vote.

Matt Adler, the chef behind Caruso’s Grocery, which has a location at 11820 Trade St. at North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose, and Cucina Morini in the District, got the nod as a finalist for chef of the year.

Jose Luis “JL” Salgado, an employee at Silver Spring’s Zinnia, was named a finalist for the employee of the year award. According to Zinnia, Salgado is one of the longest tenured employees at the restaurant at 9201 Colesville Road and worked in the building when it operated as Mrs. K’s Toll House.

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When Salgado was announced as semifinalist last month, the restaurant told Bethesda Today in a statement that Salgado is “the person you call” when something breaks, goes missing or when help is needed.

“He always answers, always shows up, and exceeds expectations every day,” the statement said. “It’s hard to even say what his actual responsibilities are – there is nothing that is impossible for Jose Luis.”

Mike Rothman, the director of hospitality at Zinnia, said in a statement that Salgado is the “heartbeat” of the restaurant.

“Without his smile and his hard work, Zinnia just would not be the same,” Rothman said.

The five local finalists were among 11 county restaurants, industry professionals, and chefs who were named semi-finalists in March.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine