Overview

• Top chefs, bartenders and sommeliers gathered at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House on June 16 for the 35th annual James Beard Awards.
• Winners such as Jeanie Janas Ritter reported immediate spikes in reservations and out-of-town visitors after their nominations were announced.
• Professionals praised the addition of beverage categories and called for formal recognition of general managers and coffee service roles.
• Restaurateurs cautioned that post-pandemic labor shortages and rising local housing costs are straining efforts to recruit and retain staff.
• Visiting nominees explored Chicago’s diverse dining scene at venues from Alinea and Boka to High Five Ramen during the awards weekend.