Though Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Ct., Eau Claire) is not new to topping this category, Johnny’s Chef Jared Hughley is taking the crown for the first time. Congrats, Hughley, and keep dishin’ it up! Who knows, maybe he’ll join the other two placers in their repeat wins… Guy Logan at Houligan’s Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) is a second-time placer, moving up from his third-place win last year to runner-up status. Anthony Chaves of Live Great Food (food truck) is also no stranger to this category’s top three, his second appearance thanks to a third-place win this year. –McKenna Scherer