Overview
- The foundation released the Restaurant and Chef finalists Tuesday, with winners set for June 15 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House.
- Achievement honorees include Nancy Silverton for Lifetime Achievement and No Us Without You for Humanitarian of the Year, with Impact Awards recognizing groups such as CHIRLA, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, ReFED, and Southern Smoke Foundation.
- Chicago logged a modest three finalists: Bailey Sullivan of Monteverde for Emerging Chef, plus Norman Fenton of Cariño and Jacob Potashnick of Feld for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
- Regional tallies stood out, with six Houston finalists across categories like Best New Restaurant, Emerging Chef, Beverage Service, and Best Chef: Texas, and seven Philadelphia finalists spanning Outstanding Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bar, and Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.
- Organizers confirmed the awards will stay in Chicago through 2028, a commitment that can drive tourism, media attention, and business for local restaurants.