Edited release
10/13/26
The Iowa Restaurant Association has officially named Chef Cory Barrett, owner and proprietor of Barrett’s in Coralville, as its Chef of the Year. The honor celebrates Barrett’s exceptional culinary craftsmanship, commitment to hospitality, and pivotal role in elevating the Hawkeye State’s food culture onto the regional and national stage.
Barrett’s selection highlights a powerful shift in the Midwest culinary landscape: the return of top-tier, nationally recognized talent back to Iowa. Before opening his namesake restaurant in Coralville in 2022, Barrett spent decades honing his craft at some of the nation’s premier dining establishments—serving as pastry chef at Okada at Wynn Las Vegas, executive chef at Michael Symon’s legendary Cleveland flagship, Lola, and cooking at the acclaimed Herbfarm in Washington state.
Barrett made the intentional choice to bring his world-class experience, pastry artistry, and savory expertise back to Iowa. He said in a release from the Restaurant Association that bringing high-quality craftsmanship back to Iowa is about showcasing how rich and vibrant local food culture can be.
Barrett’s has rapidly grown finto a standout culinary destination for the greater Iowa City metro area and food enthusiasts across the state. Designed around the concept of “Barrett’s All Day,” the welcoming restaurant, cafe, and bakery fuses artisanal craftsmanship with everyday accessibility—offering everything from handmade breads, and award winning pastries to hand stretched pizzas, fresh pastas, and local coffee, curated wines, and craft cocktails.
Barrett’s is located at 3242 Crosspark Road in Coralville.