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It's not too late to nominate a phenom of a line cook, sommelier, pastry chef, restaurateur, bartender or front-of-house leader to be considered as an Eater Young Gun. In fact, it is encouraged. It's only been a week since nominations opened, and there are already 930 candidates and we want more.
The aim of Young Guns, which launched last year with the inaugural 16-person class, is to identify the most promising up-and-comers in the restaurant and nightlife world. Last year, McCrady's chef de cuisine Jeremiah Langhorne brought the title back to Charleston.
The criteria are simple. Nominees must be under 30 years of age (or have worked in their chosen field for less than five years) and must be currently employed in the hospitality industry in the United States. Though you most likely haven't yet heard their names, they must show extraordinary promise. These kids are the future, those that will soon lead the business but have yet to receive critical attention.
To identify them, we're opening the nomination process up to the public. Know an amazing young somm, an empire builder in the making, a burgeoning chef's chef? We want to hear about them. We're asking for your nominations right here. This nomination process will be open through mid-March.
To nominate a rising star, fill out the nomination form here; if you have additional supporting materials, please send them our way at youngguns@eater.com.