James Beard Award semifinalists announced: See Kansas City’s 6 contenders
The prestigious James Beard Foundation has announced its 2026 semifinalists — six of which are in the Kansas City metro.
Since 1990, James Beard Award winners have represented the best of the restaurant industry in the U.S. This year’s nominees will be announced March 13, and winners will be announced June 15 on stage at the Lyric Opera House of Chicago.
Of the dozens that made the list, here are the Kansas City area’s restaurants and chefs up for the grand prize.
Anjin, Best New Restaurant
The Japanese izakaya-style restaurant opened last year in the Crossroads at 1708 Oak St. Husband and wife duo Nick and Leslie Goellner own the space. The couple also own The Antler Room.
Helen Jo Leach of The Town Company, Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker; and Johnny Leach of The Town Company, Best Chef: Midwest
Husband and wife duo Helen Jo and Johnny Leach lead the restaurant inside Hotel Kansas City at 1228 Baltimore Ave. Johnny is the executive chef, and Helen Jo is the executive pastry chef. The two plan to open a spot inside the former Happy Gillis space soon called Dear Donna (549 Gillis St.).
Diana Condori of Fern Bar, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Fern Bar is a vibey cocktail bar in Kansas City’s Crossroads district at 2041 Broadway Blvd., in a former bank building. Customers will find DJs and events inside the retro space.
Swetha Newcomb of Of Course, Best Chef: Midwest
Of Course Kitchen & Co. is in Overland Park’s Bluhawk shopping center at 7753 W. 159th St., serving South Asian fusion cuisine under the guidance of chef Swetha Newcomb, a former personal chef.
Drastic Measures, Outstanding Bar
In Shawnee’s downtown district at 5817 Nieman Road, inventive cocktails are served in a dimly lit atmosphere. Owner Jay Sanders has won accolades for both Drastic Measures and Wild Child, a bar specializing in mocktails. This is Drastic Measures’ third time landing on the list.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 11:09 AM.