Dividend Restaurant Group‘s steakhouse concepts honored for exceptional wine programs, curated selections and immersive wine experiences
June 24, 2026 (Denver, CO) — Dividend Restaurant Group (DRG) has earned national recognition from Wine Spectator, with all Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Eddie Merlot’s locations named to the publication’s 2026 Restaurant Awards list. The recognition marks more than two decades of excellence for several Sullivan’s restaurants and a second consecutive year of honors across both brands.
Presented annually by Wine Spectator, the awards honor restaurants whose wine lists offer quality selections, pair thoughtfully with their menus and appeal to a wide range of wine enthusiasts.
This year’s recognition is particularly notable for several Sullivan’s Steakhouse locations that have maintained award-winning wine programs over the past two decades. Sullivan’s Tucson earned its 20th Wine Spectator Award since 2001 (excluding 2014 and 2019-2023), while Sullivan’s Naperville, Baton Rouge, Leawood and Omaha each received their 21st award (excluding 2019-2023).
“Wine has always been an essential part of the guest experience across our restaurants,” said Ken Hoffman, chief operating officer of Dividend Restaurant Group. “From iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons to celebrated selections from Europe and beyond, we’ve thoughtfully curated wine programs that complement our menus and create memorable moments at the table. Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with some of the world’s most respected wineries and winemakers, allowing us to offer exceptional selections for both seasoned enthusiasts and those discovering new favorites. Having our concepts recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards is an honor and a reflection of our team’s dedication to hospitality, wine education and delivering elevated dining experiences every day.”
Across both brands, guests enjoy access to an extensive collection ranging from guest favorites such as Caymus, Silver Oak, Cakebread Cellars, Antinori and Joseph Phelps Insignia to highly allocated and sought-after producers including Harlan Estate, Hundred Acre, Bond, Opus One and Dominus. The collections also feature celebrated wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina and other premier wine regions around the world, offering something for both the casual enthusiast and the seasoned collector.
Beyond the wine list, Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Eddie Merlot’s continue to expand exclusive wine dinners, tastings and winemaker events that connect guests directly with the stories, people and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
“Our goal is simple,” Hoffman added. “Whether a guest is celebrating with a bottle of Caymus, sharing an Antinori with family and friends or enjoying a special occasion with Harlan Estate or Bond, we want every wine experience to be memorable. Our partnerships with wineries and winemakers around the world allow us to bring exceptional wines, stories and experiences to our guests every day.”
The continued recognition from Wine Spectator underscores Dividend Restaurant Group’s commitment to delivering one of the premier wine experiences in the steakhouse industry, combining exceptional hospitality, culinary excellence and access to some of the world’s most sought-after wines.
For more information about Dividend Restaurant Group, visit dividendrestaurantgroup.com. To learn more about Eddie Merlot’s, visit eddiemerlots.com. For Sullivan’s Steakhouse, visit sullivanssteakhouse.com.
About Dividend Restaurant Group
Dividend Restaurant Group (DRG) was built on the core belief that the foundation of a company is defined by the character of its team, the versatility of its systems, and the discipline of its actions. DRG is a guest-first and team-focused organization that has a successful track record of revitalizing iconic brands and driving value for all stakeholders. Based in Denver, DRG brings together some of the country’s best-known brands, leveraging an industry-leading platform with a clear vision for continued growth. Its driving mantra is “we pay dividends to every stakeholder of our business: our guests, our team members, our vendors and our financial partners, all in different but meaningful ways.” For more information, visit dividendrestaurantgroup.com.
About Eddie Merlot’s
Eddie Merlot’s is known for its exceptional service, an unparalleled atmosphere, and mouthwatering cuisine. Each of Eddie’s 12 locations across the United States promises a lively, unforgettable guest experience unmatched in the industry today. Eddie Merlot’s starts with U.S.D.A. Prime beef that is aged naturally for a minimum of 28 days for incredible tenderness and flavor. Each cut of meat is personally selected by Eddie’s top chef for optimum proportion of marbling and texture, before being hand-cut and seasoned to each guest’s specifications. The brand has also been named among the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners, honoring its outstanding wine program and elevated pairing experience. For more information, visit eddiemerlots.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok at @eddiemerlots.
About Sullivan’s Steakhouse®
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a lively, neighborhood steakhouse brand rooted in rich tradition. Founded in 1996, Sullivan’s artfully blends hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and signature cocktails with the sounds of live, local jazz music and a friendly, familiar atmosphere. The brand has also been named among the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners, honoring its outstanding wine program and elevated pairing experience. Each of Sullivan’s 14 locations across the United States (including Anchorage, Alaska) promises an unforgettable guest experience unparalleled in the industry today. For more information, visit sullivanssteakhouse.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok at @sullivanssteakhouse.
