Bern’s Steak House, a legendary culinary landmark in Tampa, Florida, globally celebrated for its exhaustive, world-class wine cellars and unwavering commitment to dining excellence, has officially announced the return of its premier philanthropic event. Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot (WTF), the venue’s marquee celebration of exceptional American whiskey, master-level culinary craftsmanship, and charitable giving, will mark its milestone 10th anniversary this autumn. Spanning six consecutive nights from Monday, November 9, through Saturday, November 14, the 2026 iteration of the festival promises to be one of the most comprehensive and prestigious gatherings of whiskey producers and culinary artists in the institution’s storied history.

Over the past decade, Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot has evolved from a boutique gathering of local enthusiasts into a nationally recognized summit for spirits connoisseurs, collectors, and philanthropists. By marrying rare, highly allocated spirits with inventive, multi-course haute cuisine, the event has successfully generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for critical charitable initiatives. As the event enters its second decade, organizers have curated what is widely regarded as its most ambitious lineup to date, featuring industry legends, multi-generational master distillers, and exclusive private barrel selections that rarely see distribution outside of their home distilleries.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Distillers and Artisans

The 2026 series boasts an exceptionally robust roster, bringing together some of the most revered and respected names in the American whiskey landscape. For six straight evenings, intimate dining rooms within Bern’s Steak House will host master distillers and brand innovators who will personally guide guests through meticulously curated flights.

The 2026 schedule features foundational industry heavyweights alongside celebrated boutique producers. Among the participating brands are Booker’s, Willett, Rare Character, and Garrison Bros., each bringing a distinct profile of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship. The final two evenings of the event will be taken over by WhistlePig, culminating in two dedicated nights focusing on their renowned Boss Hog releases and exclusive Bern’s Private Selects.

What sets this year’s anniversary series apart is the unprecedented access guests will have to the architects of these spirits. Several new faces to the Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot roster—including distinguished multi-generational master distillers—will be in attendance. These industry leaders will lead attendees through structured tastings of highly allocated releases, limited-edition runs, rare aged expressions, and proprietary private barrel picks chosen specifically for Bern’s Steak House. This deep dive into the nuances of maturation, grain selection, and blending underscores the sophisticated palate of the Tampa institution and the high caliber of the festival.

Culinary Mastery Meets Spirituous Innovation

While the whiskey serves as the nominal anchor of each evening, the culinary program is designed to stand as an equal partner in the sensory experience. Chef de Cuisine Brent Hunt and Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas, leading the broader Bern’s culinary team, have crafted unique, multi-course menus tailored specifically to complement the flavor profiles of the featured spirits.

The menus reflect a seamless integration of classic French technique, modern American innovation, and luxurious ingredients. Diners across the week will be treated to sophisticated dishes such as Whiskey-Aged Japanese Wagyu Tenderloin served with bernaise flan, haricot vert, and au poivre. Other standout courses include Foie Gras paired with crisp apples and pumpkin brittle; Chilled Lobster accompanied by mâche, avocado, and passion fruit; and a decadent dessert course featuring a Chocolate and Malt Tart with raspberry, hazelnut, and smoked raspberry sorbet.

The integration of whiskey not only as a pairing beverage but as an active culinary component—such as in the aging of the Japanese Wagyu—demonstrates the kitchen’s profound understanding of the spirit’s chemistry, particularly its complex interaction with fats, proteins, and sugars.

Philanthropy at the Core: The Laxer Family Foundation

Beneath the exceptional food and rare spirits lies the primary mission of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot: philanthropy. Proceeds generated from the six-night dinner series, alongside an accompanying online auction running concurrently with the event, will directly benefit Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation. These contributions are channeled through the Laxer Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting at-risk and aspiring youth, honoring distinguished United States military veterans, and fostering emerging culinary talent.

The online auction serves as a major driver for fundraising, bolstered by long-standing industry partnerships. Willett, a cornerstone supporter of the event, has once again contributed a valuable barrel donation alongside an exclusive private distillery experience. Adding to the allure of this year’s auction lots is a VIP tour of the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, which will be paired with a coveted barrel selection experience alongside Bern’s Director of Spirits, Nate Wilson. Combined with custom Bern’s Private Selects lots and other rare offerings, the auction is expected to draw competitive bidding from collectors nationwide, significantly amplifying the financial impact for the beneficiary organizations.

"Every year, we challenge ourselves to make Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot something truly special, and the caliber of this year’s lineup speaks for itself," said David Laxer, owner of Bern’s Steak House. "To bring this collection of whiskey producers and experiences together over six nights is incredibly exciting, but the purpose behind the week remains what matters most. We’re proud to create memorable experiences for our guests while supporting Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation and the important work they do for our veteran community."

Chronology and Timeline of Events

The roadmap for the 10th-anniversary celebration follows a structured, highly anticipated timeline designed to manage immense public demand while ensuring an intimate guest experience.

• Saturday, October 3 (10:00 AM ET): Tickets for the individual dinners become available to the public via Eventbrite. Due to the limited seating capacity of the private dining spaces and the immense popularity of the event in past years, organizers anticipate a rapid sell-out. In a move to manage demand and ensure equitable access, all tickets are sold in pairs, with a strict limit of one pair per purchase.
• Monday, November 9 through Saturday, November 14: The six-night dinner series takes place at Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, featuring sequential takeovers by Booker’s, Willett, Rare Character, Garrison Bros., and WhistlePig.
• Concurrent with the Dinner Series: The online auction remains active, allowing national and local participants to bid on rare whiskey lots, private distillery tours, and exclusive experiences to benefit the Laxer Family Foundation’s charitable partners.

Broader Impact and Economic Significance in Tampa’s Hospitality Sector

The longevity and sustained growth of Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot highlight a broader national trend: the elevation of American whiskey from a regional staple into a luxury asset class capable of driving high-end culinary tourism. Over the past decade, events like WTF have helped position Tampa as a sophisticated market for fine spirits, rivaling traditional culinary hubs in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.

Furthermore, the integration of charitable giving into high-end gastronomy reflects a growing consumer expectation that luxury experiences should yield positive social returns. By channeling funds to organizations like Operation Healing Forces and the Navy SEAL Foundation, Bern’s Steak House leverages its considerable cultural capital to address critical needs within the veteran community. This dual focus on sensory excellence and civic responsibility has ensured the event’s enduring relevance and prestige.

Practical Information for Attendees

Bern’s Steak House will provide complimentary valet and standard parking for all dinner guests attending the Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot series. Because of the exclusive nature of the events, dietary restrictions must be communicated well in advance through the ticketing platform.

For comprehensive information regarding the 2026 dinner lineup, specific menu breakdowns, and direct links to ticket purchases, interested parties are advised to visit the official Laxer Family Foundation website at laxerfamilyfoundation.org. Real-time announcements, behind-the-scenes previews, and updates can also be tracked by following Bern’s Steak House on official social media channels, including Instagram and Facebook.