The 2025 James Beard Awards didn’t just mark 35 years of honoring America’s most talented chefs and restaurateurs—it was a homecoming, a reunion of old friends and fresh faces all chasing the same dream: to feed, to inspire, and to bring people together. Food, politics, and social advocacy took center stage at the 2025 James Beard Awards, weaving a powerful thread through the evening’s celebrations. Many honorees used their time on stage to spotlight the essential role of immigrants in shaping America’s culinary landscape, sharing personal stories of resilience and calling for reform in the face of restrictive policies and national uncertainty. With heartfelt speeches, unfurled flags, and candid calls for justice, the night became more than a celebration of culinary excellence—it was a rallying cry for hope, inclusion, and the enduring power of food to unite communities and drive positive change.
A Night of Heart and Purpose
Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern took the stage, their easy banter setting the tone for an evening that was as much about heart as it was about accolades. This year, the awards doubled as a platform for real talk. Winners and presenters spoke candidly about the issues that matter—immigration, diversity, and the need for every voice to be heard at the table. The room listened, nodded, and sometimes wiped away a tear as chefs shared stories of struggle, resilience, and the communities that shaped them.
You could feel the James Beard Foundation’s commitment to change in the air. Stricter ethics, a more inclusive nomination process, and a clear stance against workplace misconduct all signaled a new chapter—one where respect and integrity are just as important as a perfectly plated dish.
Raising a Glass to Innovation
This year, the awards raised a toast to the unsung heroes behind the bar. Three new categories—Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service—put the spotlight on the folks who make every meal a little more memorable. It was a reminder that hospitality isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but how you’re made to feel from the first sip to the last.
And speaking of fresh faces, the Emerging Chef award (goodbye, Rising Star!) now celebrates talent and leadership, no matter your age. It’s a nod to the next generation of culinary stars, the ones who are reimagining what it means to lead in the kitchen.
A Tapestry of Flavors and Stories
From Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine to Chicago’s Kumiko and Philadelphia’s Mawn, the winners painted a picture of America’s rich culinary tapestry. California may have taken a backseat this year, but the buzz in the room was all about the new voices rising up across the country.
Nando Chang of Itamae AO in Miami, Phila Lorn of Mawn in Philadelphia, and Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez of Superbueno in New York didn’t just accept their awards—they used the moment to honor their roots and call for a more inclusive industry. Their stories weren’t just inspiring; they were a reminder that food is about connection, heritage, and the power of a shared meal.
Honoring Legends and Changemakers
There were moments that brought the room to its feet. Toni Tipton-Martin, a trailblazer in culinary journalism and an advocate for Black culinary history, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her work has given voice to stories too often left untold, and her presence was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we have to go.
Chad Houser, founder of Café Momentum, was named Humanitarian of the Year for his work empowering at-risk youth through culinary training. His story is proof that a kitchen can be a classroom, a sanctuary, and a launchpad for new beginnings.
Chicago’s Culinary Spirit
Hosting the awards for the tenth year, Chicago showed off its big heart and even bigger appetite. The city’s chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers turned the week into a festival of flavors, resilience, and community. It was a reminder that, even in tough times, the hospitality industry knows how to rally, support, and celebrate each other.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As the night wound down and guests spilled out onto the Chicago streets, the message was clear: the American culinary landscape is changing—not just in what we eat, but in who we are. The 2025 James Beard Awards celebrated excellence, yes, but they also championed progress, inclusivity, and the simple, enduring power of a good meal shared among friends.
So here’s to the chefs, the bartenders, the dreamers, and the doers. Here’s to the stories yet to be told, the flavors yet to be discovered, and the tables yet to be set. And, most of all, here’s to the magic that happens when good food meets good people.
