Two of Only Three Local Restaurants Recognized for Excellence
Arrowhead Grill in Glendale, Arizona, and 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 (DiRoNA). This honor places them among an elite group, as only three restaurants in the greater Phoenix area have received this accolade.
The DiRoNA 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 DiRoNA.
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 DiRoNA 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 DiRoNA 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 DiRoNA 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.”
Arrowhead Grill and Preston’s Steakhouse invite guests to experience the excellence that has earned them this prestigious recognition.
Located in Glendale, Arizona, Arrowhead Grill was founded by Chef Charles Schwerd in 2008, and is a showcase for mouth-watering perfection, where each dish delivers its promise of delicious flavor, while teasing guests with a hint of the tastes still to come. The corn and alfalfa-fed beef is selected for only the Certified-USDA prime cuts of meat, with guests enjoying searing steak, still sizzling on the hot plate when it is brought to the table. Guests also enjoy mercury-free fresh seafood, creative appetizers, and savory sides that are complemented by handcrafted cocktails and a premium selection of fine wines. Arrowhead Grill also offers an elevated dining experience for private events. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit ArrowheadGrill.com.
At Preston’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona, guests enjoy mouthwatering culinary perfection, highlighted by an enticing combination of traditional steakhouse classics and innovative surprises. Premium cuts of meat are aged to perfection, fresh seafood is served mercury-free, and locally sourced ingredients are the foundation of a rich and flavorful menu that is sure to delight the most sophisticated palate. Preston’s Steakhouse is also an exceptional dining experience to host a private event. For more information or to make reservations, please visit PrestonsScottsdale.com
Based in Niagara Falls, New York, the primary focus of Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) is to elevate the dining experience for restaurant-goers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. DiRoNA’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 DiRoNA Achievement of Distinction in Dining Award, you can be confident that you are in for an extraordinary dining experience. For more information, please visit Dirona.com.
