CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The 2025 James Beard Award competition is underway, and two Charlotte chefs and one mixologist have made the cut for the semifinals.
The nominees will be announced on April 2 and the winners two months later, on June 16.
Mixologist Colleen Hughes of Supperland is up for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. It’s a new category for the awards.
“Being recognized by the James Beard Foundation is overwhelming. The idea that a woman bartender from North Carolina can be recognized by the most prestigious culinary award in the country is simply amazing,” Hughes told WBTV’s QC Life. “I could not be more proud of myself and my team. I have the privilege of working with the best bartenders in the city, and they help me stay inspired.”
Meanwhile, Chayil Johnson of Community Matters Café and Sam Diminich of Restaurant Constance are competing for the title of Best Chef: Southeast.
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“When passionate individuals come together, we can truly push the boundaries of possibility within our industry and beyond,” Diminich said. “I am deeply humbled to be among this accomplished group of industry colleagues and friends and inspired by what we can achieve next.”
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the awards, named for American chef, TV personality, and cookbook author James Beard. He died in 1985.
The awards were created to, “recognize 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.”
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