The nominees for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards have been announced.

Here’s a look at who was nominated in Colorado:

• Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction was nominated for outstanding chef.
• Ryan Fletter of Barolo Grill in Denver was nominated for outstanding professional in beverage service.
• McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club in Denver were nominated for outstanding professional in cocktail service.
• For best chef in the mountain region, which includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina in Denver and Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton in Denver were nominated.

The James Beard Awards have “served as the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S.” for almost four decades. The prestigious awards recognize “exceptional talent and leadership within the independent restaurant industry.”

The winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Check out the full list of nominees here.