Colorado chefs, restaurants snag 13 James Beard Award semifinalist spots

The James Beard Foundation released its list of 2024 restaurant and chef award semifinalists today. And like a repeat of last year, Colorado once again snagged 13 nominations for what’s widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the hospitality industry; categories included “outstanding restaurateur,” “best new restaurant,” and “emerging chef.”

Denver chefs like Kelly Whitaker and Penelope Wong reappeared on this year’s list after being overlooked last year. And new faces and places, like MAKfam’s Kenneth Wan and the newly opened Sắp Sửa, are getting their first shot at a prize. A few of the nominees also won Michelin stars in 2023, including Whitaker, Bruto, Beckon and Bosq.

Six of the 20 chefs nominated as the best in the Mountain Region — which includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming — are from the Centennial State. The finalists will be announced in April.

Here’s the list of the Colorado semifinalists, who have a chance to make it to the final round of nominees before the annual James Beard Awards Gala in June in Chicago: