NEW YORK — Ahead of the annual James Beard Awards, the James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards during a live ceremony held at The Wellsley in Chicago.
“As we mark 40 years of the James Beard Foundation, we’re reminded of just how vital it is to celebrate and champion the people driving American food culture forward,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “From the industry professionals defining our dining landscape to the advocates shaping our food system, their work is a testament to the talent, leadership and care that make food such a powerful force in our lives. Thanks to our partners at Choose Chicago, we are equally thrilled to continue celebrating the Awards in the great city of Chicago for another two years.”
For nearly 40 years, the Awards have recognized American food culture and its representation of the regions, cuisines, dining styles and communities of the country’s culinary landscape.
“The honorees and nominees represent the incredible range of cuisines, foodways, and of course, talent shaping American food today,” said Dawn Padmore, VP of Awards, James Beard Foundation. “In a time when our industry is navigating real challenges, we know this recognition plays a powerful role in supporting both the business health and visibility of those honored. We’re deeply grateful to our committee members and judges for their thoughtful work in selecting this year’s recipients.”
The 2026 Outstanding Bakery nominees are as follows:
- Cultured | Sister Bay, WI
- Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop | Anchorage, AK
- Super Secret Ice Cream | Bethlehem, NH
- Weltons Tiny Bakeshop | Charleston, SC
- Wild Crumb | Bozeman, MT
The 2026 nominees for the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category include:
- Neale Asato | Asato Family Shop | Honolulu
- Susan Bae | Moon Rabbit | Washington, D.C.
- Tavel Bristol-Joseph | Nicosi | San Antonio
- Maggie Huff | Lucia | Dallas
- Justine MacNeil | Fiore | Philadelphia
The nominees, winners and honorees will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony, to be held June 15 in Chicago. Visit the James Beard Award website for more information on the nominees.
