Montana Puts PLONK on Radar
Brett Evje and Michael Oschner of PLONK in Montana were named semifinalists for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur category — part of eight total Montana nominations this year that spotlight excellence outside the usual coastal hotspots. The regional nods point to a broader recognition of America’s inland culinary scenes. (ypradio.org)
Evje and Oschner bought PLONK in 2009 and have since expanded their portfolio to include J.W. Heist Steakhouse, opened in 2023, and Stockman’s Bar, which opened in 2025. (ypradio.org (ypradio.org)) PLONK operates locations in both Bozeman and Missoula and is described by local coverage as a wine bar and community gathering space offering fine wines, food, cocktails and music. (ypradio.org (ypradio.org)) Montana’s eight James Beard semifinalists this year include Blackbird Kitchen (Outstanding Restaurant), Wild Crumb (Outstanding Bakery) and One Legged Magpie (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program), with nominees coming from Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish, Hamilton and Red Lodge. (ypradio.org (ypradio.org)) The James Beard Foundation posted the 2026 semifinalist “long list” on January 21, 2026, will announce the Restaurant & Chef nominees on March 31, 2026, and is scheduled to present the Restaurant & Chef Awards on June 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org (jamesbeard.org)) Local reporting framed the cluster of nominations as raising Montana’s national culinary profile, noting the geographic spread from small towns to regional centers as evidence of a broader inland recognition. (xlcountry.com (xlcountry.com))
