Twelve Arizonans Named as 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists

Today the James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists. Regarded as one of the country’s most respected culinary honors, the awards spotlight chefs, restaurants, bars, and industry professionals who have achieved excellence in their field. From Phoenix to Tucson, Arizona claims 12 spots on the 2026 Beard semifinalist list (the complete list can be found on the James Beard Foundation website).

James Beard award semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest Rochelle Daniel of Atria in Flagstaff, AZ

 Congratulations to:

Outstanding Chef

• Charleen Badman, FnB, Scottsdale, AZ

 Best New Restaurant

• Indibar, Scottsdale, AZ

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James Beard award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant Indibar in Scottsdale, AZ

Outstanding Bar

• Highball, Phoenix, AZ

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

• Zac Adcox, Kid Sister, Phoenix, AZ

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Ross Simon, Bitter & Twisted, Little Rituals, Phoenix, AZ

James Beard award semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest Kyle Kent of Chula Seafood, Phoenix, AZ

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)

• Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa, AZ

• TJ Culp, Progress, Phoenix, AZ

• Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff, AZ

• Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Tacos Chiwas, Phoenix, AZ

• Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix, AZ

• Kyle Kent, Chula Seafood, Phoenix, AZ

• Claudia Vindiola, La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood, Tucson, AZ

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James Beard award semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest Scott Holmes of Little Miss BBQ