The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for the organization’s annual awards, with five Georgia-based chefs and several Savannah and metro Atlanta bars and restaurants among the list of nominees.
The James Beards Awards are one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors. The awards aim to acknowledge “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the organization’s website.
This year saw the addition of three new categories: Outstanding Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
The semifinalists were chosen through a selection of open submissions, the foundation’s voting body and recommendations from the general public.
The 12 Georgia semifinalists are a noticeable jump from the seven that got nominated in 2024. Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang of Talat Market in Atlanta are the only repeat semifinalists from last year, for Best Chef Southeast. Lassiter and Savang went on to be named finalists that year but did not win the award outright.