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

It’s awards season again: Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of finalists 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. The winners’ gala will be Monday, June 5, in Chicago. Check out the list of finalists across the Carolinas below.

Outstanding Restaurateur

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

Best New Restaurant

• Neng Jr.’s, Asheville, NC

Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines

• Lula Drake, Columbia, SC

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

• Sam Hart, Counter, Charlotte, NC

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards. Eater is partnering with the James Beard Foundation to livestream the awards in 2023