James Beard nominees revealed
The 2026 James Beard Award nominees were published — the slate shows heavy regional representation from Chicago, Milwaukee, Atlanta, New England, Rhode Island and Kansas City. (jamesbeard.org) Local coverage highlights three Chicago finalists and multiple Milwaukee nominees announced March 31. (chicago.suntimes.com) (milwaukeemag.com)
Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with Impact Award honorees acknowledged at a ceremony on June 14. (jamesbeard.org) Chicago produced three finalists this year: Bailey Sullivan of Monteverde is a finalist for Emerging Chef, while Norman Fenton of Cariño and Jacob Potashnick of Feld are finalists in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category. (chicago.suntimes.com) Milwaukee’s 1033 Omakase landed on the Best New Restaurant shortlist and Zak Baker of Ca’Lucchenzo is a Best Chef: Midwest finalist, and Wisconsin also advanced Cultured (Outstanding Bakery), Sway Brewing & Blending (Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program) and Hastings Cameron (Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service). (milwaukeemag.com) The Best New Restaurant shortlist contains 10 finalists nationwide, including Milwaukee’s 1033 Omakase and Kansas City’s Anjin. (jamesbeard.org) Anjin — the 20-seat Crossroads izakaya opened in July 2025 — is owned by chef Nick Goellner and sommelier Leslie Newsam Goellner, who said the nomination felt “like a team award” for their staff. (kcur.org) Atlanta placed two finalists on the list: J. Trent Harris of Mujō is a Best Chef: Southeast finalist, and Aria is a finalist in Outstanding Hospitality. (ajc.com) Choose Chicago and the James Beard Foundation announced the awards ceremonies will remain in Chicago through 2028 as part of an extension confirmed during the March 31 nominee event. (choosechicago.com)
