Stumara, the Georgian restaurant at 847 West Dundee Road, has won a prestigious Jean Banchet Award in the Best Heritage Restaurant category. The Banchet Awards—which are named in honor of the world-renowned chef who founded Le Français in Wheeling in 1973—honor culinary excellence in the Chicago region. Stumara is the only winner located outside Chicago.
Stumara and its adjacent sibling restaurant Pirosmani both received restaurant build-out assistance grants from the Village of Wheeling. Since opening in August 2024, Stumara has gained widespread recognition, as noted in this Eater article.
Economic Development staff reached out to Tamta Sanodze, founder of Georgian restaurant Stumara on why she chose Wheeling and to learn how this award impacts them personally.
“When I moved to the United States four years ago, I carried with me more than just my dreams—I brought my heritage, my love for Georgian cuisine, and a deep desire to share the warmth of our hospitality with a new community. Finding the right place to bring this vision to life was crucial, and Wheeling felt like the perfect home from the very beginning,” said Sanodze.
“Wheeling is a vibrant, diverse town that appreciates good food and authentic experiences. As an emerging culinary hub in the North Shore suburbs, it offered the perfect setting for Stumara, where I could introduce people to the rich flavors of Georgia in a contemporary, welcoming way.
Beyond the business potential, what truly drew me to Wheeling was the community itself—people who are open to exploring new cuisines, who value tradition, and who support local businesses. The moment we opened our doors, we felt that support, and it has been a driving force behind our success.”
Sanodze expressed honor, pride, and gratitude upon receiving the prestigious Banchet award.
“Being named Best Heritage Restaurant at the Jean Banchet Awards is an honor that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This award is not just a recognition of our restaurant—it’s a celebration of Georgian culture, our dedication to authenticity, and the hard work of our entire team,” said Sanodze.
“For me, this moment is deeply personal. It validates the dream I had when I first arrived in this country—to build something meaningful, to create a space where people could gather and experience the flavors of my homeland. It also highlights how far we’ve come, from introducing guests to khachapuri and khinkali to earning a place among Chicago’s top culinary destinations.”
Stumara may have began in a small spot off of Dundee and Elmhurst Roads in Wheeling, but Sanodze has great ambitions.
“This award is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing our journey, evolving our menu, and creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. Wheeling has given us the foundation to thrive, and we’re excited for what’s ahead,” said Sanodze.
She also wanted to express that the guests, her staff, and food enthusiasts have been instrumental to their success.
Sanodze said, “To everyone who has supported us—our loyal guests, our hardworking team, and the food lovers who have embraced Georgian cuisine—we thank you. This award belongs to all of us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Stumara to celebrate together.”