Here Are the 2023 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalists From Across the Carolinas

It’s awards season again: Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its long list of semifinalists for the 2023 version of its prestigious restaurant and chef awards. The foundation used the past couple of years to conduct internal and external reviews of its policies and procedures, aiming to make the awards process more accessible, equitable, and transparent going forward. Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and the winners' gala will be Monday, June 5, in Chicago. Check out the list of semifinalists across the Carolinas and the Lowcountry below.

Outstanding Restaurateur

• Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons, Nicole Storey, and Elie Yigo, City Grit Hospitality Group (SmallSUGAR, CITY GRIT, and Il Focolare Pizzeria), Columbia, SC

Outstanding Chef

• Greg Collier, Leah & Louise, Charlotte, NC

Emerging Chef Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

• Bernard Bennett, Ọkàn, Bluffton, SC

Best New Restaurant

• Heff’s Burger Club, Winston-Salem, NC
• Neng Jr.’s, Asheville, NC

Outstanding Bakery

• Unforgettable Bakery & Cafe, Savannah, GA

Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines

• Lula Drake, Columbia, SC

Outstanding Bar

• Kingfisher, Durham, NC
• Salud Cerveceria, Charlotte, NC

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)

• Sam Hart, Counter, Charlotte, NC
• Daniel “Dano” Heinze, Vern’s, Charleston, SC
• Dayna Lee-Márquez, Comal 864, Greenville, SC
• Josiah McGaughey, Vivian, Asheville, NC
• Dean Neff, Seabird, Wilmington, NC
• Keith Rhodes, Catch, Wilmington, NC
• Jessica Shillato, Spotted Salamander, Columbia, SC
• Stephanie Tyson, Sweet Potatoes, Winston-Salem, NC
• Preeti Waas, Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, Raleigh, NC

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards.