Riverdale Park Eatery Nominated For 3 RAMMY Awards

RIVERDALE PARK, MD — A Prince George's County eatery finds itself among finalists in the 2026 RAMMYs, the regional restaurant and food service awards held by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

The finalists for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards & Gala were announced Monday. The annual awards ceremony marks the region’s biggest celebration of its restaurant and hospitality industry.

“At The RAMMYS, you’re immersed in the full experience of what makes the D.C. region such a powerhouse for dining,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “These Finalists aren’t just doing exceptional work, they’re also elevating the standard and creating the kind of special moments that keep people coming back and talking about the Washington region as a world-class dining destination. That momentum is real and it keeps on growing.”

A Riverdale Park eatery happens to be a finalist for the Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year award. Guidelines state that this nominee is a casual restaurant, quick-serve or mobile food vendor with a "menu dedicated to creative and delicious sandwiches that demonstrate excellence and skill." The nominee must have been in operation for a minimum of one year as of Dec. 31, 2025. Voters will chose this winner.

2Fifty Texas BBQ joins four other finalists in this category for Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year award. Located at 4700 Riverdale Rd. in Riverdale Park and with a location in Washington, D.C., pitmaster and co-owner Fernando González sticks to Texas BBQ tradition, allowing the smoked meat to stand on its own, using sauces sparingly. When used, the sauces are rich with a balanced sweetness and tanginess, designed to complement rather than overpower the meat's natural flavors, the restaurant states on its website.

Up for the Manager of the Year award is Debby Portillo with 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park. This award honors a non-owner manager or general manager in the food service industry who "displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image." The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

Fernando González with 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park also is up for the Restauranteur of the Year award. This nominee must be a working restaurateur or restaurant group who "sets high standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship." Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for a minimum of five years in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.

Five categories will be decided by the public: Best Bar, Best Brunch, Hottest Sandwich Spot and Favorite Gathering Place. This year marks the debut of the Content Creator of the Year category. Recognizing the role of content creators in the regional dining scene, this award winner will be chosen entirely by public write-in votes.

Fans and followers can vote on the NBC4 Washington website during the voting period to decide winners across all publicly voted categories. Voting opens April 20 and runs through May 17 via 2026 media partner NBC4 Washington at www.nbcwashington.com.

Winners will be announced on June 29 during The RAMMYS Awards & Gala, held at the Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater.

2Fifty Texas BBQ is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at both locations except for Tuesday.

View the full list of 2026 RAMMY Awards Finalists.