Charleston Notches Six James Beard Semifinalists

February 27, 2020

4:03 PM

The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for their 2020 Restaurant and Chef Award categories and, once again, Charleston was well represented.

Here's a look at the nominees from the Holy City:

Outstanding Restaurant
- FIG
  - The restaurant was chosen as a finalist in this category last year
  - The restaurant won the Outstanding Wine Program category in 2018
Best Chef: Southeast
- Kevin Johnson, The Grocery
  - Semifinalist for the fifth straight year
- Shamil Velazquez, Delaney Oyster House
Outstanding Hospitality
- Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road (The Macintosh, Oak Steakhouse, Indaco, O-Ku, and more)
  - Semifinalist for the fourth straight year
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer
- Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Company
  - Semifinalists for the fourth straight year
  - Named finalists last year

The finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 25th, with the James Beard Awards Gala taking place on Monday, May 4th in Chicago. You can view the entire list of semi-finalists here.