Asato earns Beard nod

Neale Asato has been named a 2026 James Beard Award nominee in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation announced this year’s Restaurant and Chef Award nominees on March 31, 2026. Winners are scheduled to be revealed June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) Asato runs Asato Family Shop in Honolulu, a family business known for sherbet and other desserts. A recent profile said his work draws on family inspiration and his day-to-day pastry practice. (alohastatedaily.com) The nomination puts a Hawaiʻi pastry chef on a national awards shortlist that the foundation describes as recognizing talent and leadership in the independent restaurant industry. The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards are among the best-known honors in American dining. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) Asato’s nod also narrows a longer awards run. The James Beard Foundation published its 2026 semifinalists on January 21 before naming final nominees at the end of March. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) Honolulu Magazine reported that Asato is Hawaiʻi’s sole finalist this year and said he recently expanded the business with an omakase dessert bar in Waikīkī. Asato Family Shop’s website says its Pali shop is closed while it increases pint production for Foodland and its Waikīkī scoop shop. (honolulumagazine.com) (asatofamilyshop.com) For now, the nomination gives Asato a place in one of five national finalist slots in his category, with the final result set for mid-June in Chicago. (bakemag.com) (jamesbeard.org)