Note: The chef and tastemaker lineup for 2026 has yet to be determined and is subject to change.
Spokane 2026
Chefs & Tastemakers
Meet the talented chefs behind Crave! Spokane. From James Beard nominees to beloved local favorites, these culinary artists bring their best to the table.
Regional Chefs
Adam Hegsted
Eat Good Group & James Beard Semifinalist
James Beard-nominated Chef Adam Hegsted is the culinary force behind Eat Good Group, a collection of acclaimed restaurants across the Pacific Northwest. His passion for locally sourced, Northwest-inspired ingredients drives every dish.
Aaron Fish
Eat Good Group & Food Network’s “Chopped”
Chef Aaron Fish began his culinary journey at the age of 14 in Marin County, CA. Since then, he carved his culinary background in and around the Bay Area before moving to Spokane WA in 2009. Joining Chef Adam Hegsted and Eat Good Group, Chef Fish is the Chef de Cuisine for Eat Good Group.
Travis Dickinson
Cochinito Taqueria
Travis first discovered the restaurant business at age 15, washing dishes at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. He graduated at the top of his class from Western Culinary Institute. Cochinito Taqueria combines fine dining technique and sourcing in an approachable taqueria atmosphere.
Mary Weaver
baba Spokane
Mary was raised in the culinary world, helping at her parent's restaurant in Post Falls, ID. She worked at the Coeur D'Alene Casino under Chef Adam Hegsted before joining Eat Good Group, creating a menu of high-end comfort food using local and sustainable ingredients.
Lucas Chavez
Republic Kitchen & Taphouse
Growing up surfing and fishing in Southern California and Mexico, Lucas started cooking at 17 at a Hawaiian restaurant. Both Mexican and Hawaiian cooking styles influence his dishes.
Corey Jackson
Yards Bruncheon
As a young man in Everson, WA, Corey found his calling after one shift in a restaurant. He brings positive attitude, tireless energy, and passion to the Eat Good Group as Chef de Cuisine of The Yards Bruncheon.
National Chefs
Nick Liberato
Borcht Belt & Food Network’s “Restaurants on the Edge”
Chef Nick Liberato brings creativity and precision to Eat Good Group, crafting dishes that celebrate Pacific Northwest flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
Brian Duffy
Duffified Experience Group & Food Network’s “Bar Rescue”
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Chef Brian Duffy is most recognized from Spike TV's Bar Rescue. He studied at Philadelphia's The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and regularly judges Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay.
Alcohol Vendors
Coming soon — stay tuned!
Artisans & Vendors
Coming soon — stay tuned!
Join Us
Want to Be Part of Crave! NW?
We're looking for talented chefs, tastemakers, and vendors to join our celebration. Apply below to be part of the experience.