🥇 Arizona’s recent James Beard Awards momentum came to a halt Tuesday when the foundation announced its 2026 finalists – and none are from Arizona.
The snub comes after a strong showing in the semifinal round earlier this year, when several Valley chefs and restaurants made the so-called ‘‘long list’’ across multiple categories. But when the finalists were revealed, Arizona was completely shut out.
Six Valley chefs had advanced to the semifinals for Best Chef: Southwest, the category that covers Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Those semifinalists included Roberto Centeno of Espiritu in Mesa, TJ Culp of Progress in Phoenix, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin of Tacos Chiwas in Phoenix and Mesa, Scott Holmes of Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix, and Kyle Kent of Chula Seafood in Phoenix.
Two other Arizona chefs also made the regional semifinalist list: Rochelle Daniel of Atria in Flagstaff and Claudia Vindiola of La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood in Tucson.
Arizona also landed semifinalists in several national categories, including Charleen Badman of FnB in Scottsdale for Outstanding Chef, Indibar in Scottsdale for Best New Restaurant, Highball in Phoenix for Outstanding Bar, Zac Adcox of Kid Sister for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Ross Simon of Little Rituals for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Despite that depth of recognition, none advanced to the final round.
The outcome breaks a strong recent streak for Phoenix. Yotaka “Sunny” Martin of Lom Wong won Best Chef: Southwest last year, while Rene Andrade of Bacanora took home the award in 2024.
The 2026 James Beard Award winners will be announced June 15.
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