Nominations close Nov. 22, winners will be revealed Feb. 4, and every winner gets a PR toolkit to help them get found as more customers ask AI where to go
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 10, 2026 — Scottsdale Scoop, a local newsletter read by over 15,000 subscribers, has opened nominations for Best of Scottsdale 2027, a community-driven awards program that puts residents in charge of naming the city’s favorite local businesses. Nominations are open now through Nov. 22 at nominate.thescottsdalescoop.com.
This year’s 17 categories span dining and nightlife, beauty and wellness, shopping and experiences, and community, from Best Restaurant, Best Happy Hour and Best Coffee Shop to Best Med Spa, Best Golf Course and Best Local Nonprofit. The Best New Restaurant category is limited to restaurants that opened in Scottsdale between Jan. 1 and Nov. 22, 2026, making it a reader-picked look at the city’s newest openings.
Anyone can nominate and vote, no matter where they live, and every nominated business must have a physical location in Scottsdale, Arizona. The top five businesses in each category advance to public voting, which runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. Winners will be revealed live at the Best of Scottsdale Awards celebration on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027.
“The best businesses in Scottsdale already have a fan club. Best of Scottsdale gives those regulars a way to support their favorite spots out loud,” said John Apolinar, founder of Scottsdale Scoop. “Scottsdale keeps growing, and new places open every month. That’s exciting, but it also means the local spots we love have to fight harder to stay open. Every one of these businesses is someone’s dream with a lease attached, and when locals nominate and vote, they’re helping keep those doors open.”
Every winner will receive a PR toolkit from Scottsdale-based Proof Publicity, the program’s official PR partner, with press release and customer email templates, social media copy and an AI visibility checklist to help businesses put the win to work. The checklist addresses a fast-growing way customers find local businesses. Half of U.S. consumers now intentionally seek out AI-powered search, and 44% of those users say it is their primary source for buying decisions, ahead of traditional search, according to McKinsey. Locally, a 2026 BrightLocal survey found 45% of U.S. consumers asked ChatGPT or another AI tool for a local business recommendation in the past year.
“Most businesses post about an award once and move on. We want Scottsdale’s winners to turn that recognition into press coverage, new customers and a better shot at showing up when someone asks AI where to eat or get a facial in Scottsdale,” said Melissa DiGianfilippo, founder and CEO of Proof Publicity.
The awards night will also introduce the Jewels of the Desert, five special honors selected outside of public nominations and voting: the Turquoise Award for community impact, the Onyx Award for enduring excellence, the Quartz Award for innovation, the Jasper Award for local character and the Copper Award for connection.
Tickets to the Best of Scottsdale Awards are on sale now, with early bird tickets priced at $50 through Dec. 31. Best of Scottsdale 2027 is supported by Randy’s Donuts, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Proof Publicity. Businesses interested in sponsorship can contact [email protected]. Sponsorships do not influence voting results.
Event Details
What: Best of Scottsdale 2027, presented by Scottsdale Scoop
Nominations: Now through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time
Voting: Tuesday, Dec. 1 through Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026
Awards night: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027, 5:30 p.m., DOLCE Events, 9343 E Shea Blvd B-135, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Nominate and vote: nominate.thescottsdalescoop.com
Tickets: https://tickets.thescottsdalescoop.com
About Scottsdale Scoop
Scottsdale Scoop is a weekly newsletter covering the best of Scottsdale, Arizona, from new restaurant openings and date night spots to local business spotlights, weekend events and real estate. John Apolinar founded it in 2025 to give locals one go-to source for what’s happening from Old Town to North Scottsdale, with zero politics and zero negativity. Today it reaches 15,000 newsletter subscribers and 24,000 Instagram followers. Learn more at thescottsdalescoop.com.
About Proof Publicity
Proof Publicity is an award-winning PR and social media agency based in Scottsdale, Arizona, serving local and national clients in hospitality, healthcare, professional services and a variety of other industries. Founded in 2024 by Melissa DiGianfilippo, a PR leader with more than 20 years of experience, Proof Publicity turns its clients’ expertise and ideas into earned media coverage, brand partnerships, influencer campaigns, awards and speaking placements, and social media that drive measurable growth. Learn more at proofpublicity.com.
SOURCE Scottsdale Scoop
