Preston's Steakhouse Honored with 2024 Distinguished Restaurant Award of North America

Preston's Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona, both owned and operated by celebrated Chef Charles Schwerd, have each have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Distinguished Restaurant Award of North America (DiRōNA). This honor places them among an elite group, as only three restaurants in the greater Phoenix area have received this accolade.

The DiRōNA Award is a symbol of excellence in the culinary and hospitality industries, recognized for setting the highest standards in service, quality, and overall dining experience. This year's award holds a special significance for Schwerd, whose culinary journey has been deeply intertwined with the legacy of DiRōNA.

Chef Schwerd has been at the forefront of the Phoenix-area dining scene for more than 20 years. Before opening Preston's Steakhouse and Arrowhead Grill, he was a Culinary Partner/Co-Founder of John Elway's Steakhouse, Executive Chef/Co-Founder of Drinkwater's City Hall Steakhouse (now Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse), where he became an Executive Chef/Co-Founder, and an Executive Chef for Paul Fleming's Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Previously, he served in various culinary roles with the Ritz Carlton Company, the Arizona Biltmore and The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.

"In 1990, as the first-ever intern at the Phoenix Ritz-Carlton, I was introduced to the world of distinguished awards, including the DiRōNA Award of Excellence," recalls Chef Schwerd. "This experience ignited a passion within me to strive for excellence in every facet of my career. From the Arizona Biltmore to Ruth's Steakhouse, I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional mentors, who shaped my path."

The culmination of this journey was realized when Scott Breard, CEO of Distinguished Restaurants of North America, informed Chef Schwerd that both Arrowhead Grill and Preston's Steakhouse had earned a place among North America's most notable restaurants. This recognition is especially meaningful as it coincides with the induction of Schwerd's mentor, Gary Wallerman, into the DiRōNA Hall of Fame. Schwerd worked under Wallerman at Ruth's Steakhouse as an Executive Chef and later as the premier culinary brand's Regional Corporate Chef.

"Receiving the 2024 DiRōNA accolade is a surreal moment for me," said Chef Schwerd. "To be recognized alongside a mentor and friend, who has played such a pivotal role in my career is beyond gratifying. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion that our entire team puts into delivering an unparalleled dining experience."

As Chef Schwerd reflects on this achievement, there is a sense of responsibility to continue mentoring the next generation of culinarians. "I can only hope that I am positively influencing others in their own culinary journeys, just as I have been inspired by those who came before me."

About Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) 

Based in Niagara Falls, New York, the primary focus of Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) is to elevate the dining experience for restaurant-goers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. DiRōNA's main objective is to identify and honor exceptional fine dining establishments that provide an unforgettable culinary journey for their patrons. When you see a restaurant proudly displaying the DiRōNA Achievement of Distinction in Dining Award, you can be confident that you are in for an extraordinary dining experience. For more information, please visit https://dirona.com.