NEW YORK — The James Beard Foundation has released the shortlist of semifinalists for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the awards, which recognize talent in the culinary industry.
“For 35 years, the James Beard Awards have stood as a testament to American food culture and its exceptional talent,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy; and drives towards a better food system.”
Twenty bakeries were shortlisted for the Outstanding Bakery recognition, which celebrates a baker of bread, pastries or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations. Gusto Bread, Koffeteria and JinJu Patisserie are repeat semifinalists from the 2024 awards.
Previous winners include Yoli Tortilleria in Kansas City, MO, and ZU Bakery in Portland, ME.
This year’s Outstanding Bakery semifinalists are:
- 17 Berkshire | Memphis, TN
- Atelier Ortega | Jackson Hole, WY
- Bellegarde Bakery | New Orleans
- Carissa’s the Bakery | Easthampton, NY
- Coda | Albuquerque, NM
- Dan The Baker | Columbus, OH
- Fan Fan Doughnuts | Brooklyn, NY
- Gusto Bread | Long Beach, CA
- JinJu Patisserie | Portland, OR
- Koffeteria | Houston
- The Local General Store | Honolulu
- Machine Shop | Philadelphia
- Nathaniel Reid Bakery | Kirkwood, MO
- Patisserie Jacqui | Bisbee, AZ
- Quail and Condor | Healdsburg, CA
- Saint Bread | Seattle
- Secret Bakery | Ferndale, MI
- Starship Bagel | Lewisville, TX
- Super Secret Ice Cream | Bethlehem, NH
- Vienne | Bozeman, MT
The Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker recognition honors a baker who makes desserts, pastries or breads and demonstrates exceptional skills. Honorees can be affiliated with any food business and do not need a brick-and-mortar presence. Atsuko Fujimoto, owner of Norimoto Bakery in Portland, ME, took home the prize in 2024.
The twenty semifinalists include:
- Susan Bae | Moon Rabbit | Washington, DC
- Cat Cox | Country Bird Bakery | Tulsa, OK
- Brant Dadaleares | Gross Confection Bar | Portland, ME
- Abigail Dahan | Provenance | Philadelphia
- Adalberto Diaz | Fillings and Emulsions | Salt Lake City
- Monique Feybesse | Tarts de Feybesse | Oakland, CA
- April Franqueza | The Dining Room at High Hampton | Cashiers, NC
- Chris Hanmer | CH Patisserie | Sioux Falls, SD
- Mateo Herrera | La Puerta del Solv | El Paso, TX
- Antonia Kane | Course | Scottsdale, AZ
- Crystal Kass | Valentine | Phoenix
- Alexandra La Valle | Larder | Cleveland
- Yohann Le Bescond | Yohann Le Bescond | Ocala, FL
- Helen Jo Leach | The Town Company | Kansas City, MO
- Lucia Merino | Lucia Patisserie | San Juan, PR
- Camari Mick | Raf’s | New York
- Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos | Poulette Bakeshop | Parker, CO
- Leigh Omilinsky | Daisies | Chicago
- Hana Quon | Patisserie HQ | Honolulu
- Nicole Rucker | Fat + Flour | Los Angeles
Nominees will be announced on April 2, and winners will be honored at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The full list of 2025 semifinalists is available on the James Beard Foundation website.
