Charlotte Chefs Recognized as Semifinalists for James Beard Awards

Charlotte's culinary scene shines with talented chefs nominated for the James Beard Awards.

News Summary

Charlotte has made its mark in the culinary world as three of its chefs have been selected as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Chefs Sam Diminich and Chayil Johnson are nominated for Best Chef: Southeast, while Colleen Hughes is recognized in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category. Additionally, pastry chef April Franqueza has been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. This recognition highlights the city’s vibrant food scene and the exceptional talent within it as the industry celebrates diversity and sustainability.

Charlotte Among Semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards

Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as the James Beard Foundation recently unveiled its list of semifinalists for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, and guess what? Three talented culinary professionals from our beautiful city have made the cut! With Charlotte’s vibrant food scene making waves, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some amazing local chefs.

Local Chefs Shore Up Recognition

Leading the pack are Chefs Sam Diminich and Chayil Johnson, both of whom are nominated in the highly coveted Best Chef: Southeast category. Talk about a big deal! Sam Diminich, known for his work at Restaurant Constance and Your Farms, Your Table, has built quite a reputation for his inventive dishes that highlight local flavors.

On the other hand, Chayil Johnson, the executive chef of Community Matters Cafe, has been captivating diners with his commitment to community and sustainability. His culinary finesse is truly something to behold! It’s fantastic to see our local chefs shining bright among regional talent.

North Carolina’s Competitive Culinary Scene

While Sam and Chayil are making headlines, it’s interesting to note that Silver Icovozzi of Neng Jr.’s in Asheville is the only North Carolina chef pushing forward in this category. It goes to show how competitive the culinary scene can be, with only the best of the best receiving such accolades.

Raising the Bar on Beverage Service

But wait, there’s more! The inclusion of beverage director Colleen Hughes from Supperland as a semifinalist for the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category is making waves as well. This year, the James Beard Awards introduced this new category, showing how much the industry values not just food, but also fantastic drink service. Colleen’s creativity and skill in craft cocktails are well-known to many locals, and her recognition is a testament to the high standards of our bar scene.

A Sweet Surprise in Pastry

Moving on from drinks to desserts, we’ve got a sweet story too! April Franqueza from The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers has snagged a nomination in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. Her delectable creations have been enchanting diners and leaving them with a sweet taste lingering long after their meal.

Celebrating Diversity in Culinary Arts

The James Beard Awards, which are now in their 35th year, focus on recognizing talent and achievement in culinary arts while promoting values like racial and gender equity and sustainability. The winners will be announced on June 16, 2025, at an exciting ceremony in Chicago. It’s an event that promises not just awards, but also a celebration of the love and dedication put into food and service across the board.

Charlotte’s Culinary Journey

Historically, Charlotte’s food and beverage professionals have faced intense competition. Despite previously having no winners in the history of the awards, the resilience and creativity of our local chefs continue to shine through. Past nominees like Daryl “DC” Cooper, Oscar Johnson, Sam Hart, Greg Collier, Joe Kindred, Bruce Moffett, and Paul Verica have left their mark, showcasing the city’s evolving culinary landscape.

As we eagerly await the results, it’s safe to say that Charlotte’s culinary scene is on an upward trajectory, gaining more and more recognition. Local diners are proud, and the buzz is palpable! This year’s nominations are not just a win for these incredible chefs but also a victory for our city as a whole. Cheers to Charlotte’s bright culinary future!