‘Oscars’ of the restaurant industry: These Kansas City chefs up for James Beard Awards

Three Kansas City area chefs are being recognized as semifinalists for a James Beard Award.

The awards are considered among the most prestigious for restaurants — the so-called Oscars of the industry — and recognize exceptional talent, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equality, community, sustainability and a “culture where all can thrive.”

The area semifinalists:

▪ Marissa and Mark Gencarelli, owners of Yoli Tortilleria, for the “outstanding baker” category.

Marissa is a native of Mexico and her husband, Mark, grew up in Kansas City. In 2017, they decided to make and sell fresh tortillas, opening a manufacturing plant at 2828 Guinotte Ave. in the East Bottoms.

In July 2020, they opened a storefront at 1668 Jefferson St., Suite 100, in the city’s West Side. Items include corn tortillas (white, yellow, red or blue), flour tortillas, salsas, tamales, burritos and branded T-shirts.

“It was quite a surprise. We are getting a bunch of phone calls and texts,” Marissa Gencarelli said of the announcement. “I hope it increases awareness of our business. We are just very humbled.”

▪ Carl Thorne-Thomsen, chef and co-owner of Story restaurant in Prairie Village, in the Best Chef: Midwest category. Thorne-Thomsen and his wife, Susan, opened the restaurant in early 2011.

“It’s surprising. I was nominated in 2013, right after the restaurant opened, and again this year,” Thorne-Thomsen said Wednesday. “I feel honored, flattered, grateful. It’s nice. We have a great clientele, a lot of loyal customers.”

Finalists will be announced March 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 3:43 PM.