The annual powerlist celebrates the top food and drink professionals in the region who have enjoyed critical and commercial success in the past year.
There will also be special achievement awards for three operators who the judges believe have achieved something ‘truly exceptional’.
Last years list included chef Michael O’Hare, who won Leeds’ first Michelin-star in 2015, Thai Leisure Group and restaurateur Gary Usher.
“Judging these awards gets harder every year,” said Thom Hetherington, CEO of organisers Holden Media.
“The big names are still out in force, but there is clearly an incredible upsurge in smaller entrepreneurial operators with serious talent and big ambitions, and they are having a significant impact in the market place.
“Even in these early stages we are seeing some fascinating trends emerging, and I think the final fifty will provide an incredibly revealing and accurate record of where the Northern hospitality scene is heading in 2017. It’s an exciting time for the region, and we are proud to recognise the key players in the NRB Top Fifty each year.”
The final list will be announced at the Northern Restaurant & Bar show in Manchester on 21 March.
It will be judged by a panel of hospitality experts including representatives from Kuits, CGA Peach, and the Russell Partnership.
Nominations can be submitted online at nrbtopfifty.co.uk and the deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 27 January 2017.