It’s that time of year when the culinary world turns its attention to one of the most prestigious honors in the industry — the James Beard Awards.
Today, the James Beard Foundation revealed the official list of nominees for its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, celebrating the talent, dedication and innovation that define excellence in American dining. In addition to recognizing outstanding chefs and restaurants across the country, the Foundation also announced the recipients of its Impact, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the culinary landscape.
As the countdown begins for the James Beard Awards ceremonies on May 7, 2025 in Chicago, presented by Capital One, North Texas has plenty to celebrate. Here are this year’s finalists from the region:
RJ Yoakum of Georgie: Emerging Chef
This award honors a chef with exceptional talent, character, and leadership who is poised to make a lasting impact. RJ Yoakum, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and former point guard, brings a wealth of experience from London, Italy, and his home state of California.
Before joining Georgie as executive chef in January 2023, he spent three and a half years at Napa’s iconic French Laundry, playing a key role in maintaining its coveted three Michelin stars. Under his leadership, Georgie has become a Michelin-recommended destination, celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, impeccable service and romantic ambiance — a must-visit any time of year.
Starship Bagel: Outstanding Bakery
The Outstanding Bakery Award honors a baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who exemplifies excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations. Starship Bagel Owner Oren Salomon, who attended Ann & Nate Levine Academy in Dallas, refined his craft in San Francisco before returning to his North Texas roots. Since launching in Lewisville in 2021 and expanding to downtown Dallas and Far North Dallas, he has redefined the local bagel scene with his signature approach — fully coating both sides in bold seasonings for maximum flavor. This commitment to quality and innovation has made Starship Bagel a standout in the competitive bakery landscape.
Chad Houser of Cafe Momentum: Humanitarian of the Year
The Humanitarian of the Year Award honors those in the food industry who selflessly work to improve lives and society. This year's winner is Dallas native Chad Houser, who founded Café Momentum to transform young lives by equipping at-risk teens with life skills, education and employment at an award-winning restaurant and training facility. After 17 years as a chef, he sold his restaurant shares to focus entirely on Café Momentum, which he jokingly describes as “taking kids out of jail and teaching them to play with knives and fire.”
His efforts have paid off — since launching a national expansion in 2020, Café Momentum has grown to Atlanta and Pittsburgh, with Denver opening next year. The nonprofit aims for ten locations and a national flagship by 2035.
Mabo: Best New Restaurant
This award honors a restaurant opened between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, that has already established itself as a leader in cuisine, hospitality, and overall dining experience, with the potential for lasting impact. After the beloved Teppo closed in 2022 following a 27-year run, chef-owner Masa Otaka made a triumphant return with this sleek, high-design gem in Preston Center. Specializing in yakitori, the restaurant showcases Otaka’s signature craftsmanship, offering a fresh yet familiar take on his celebrated culinary style.
Bar Colette: Best New Bar
This award recognizes a standout beverage-focused establishment — whether a wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar or coffee bar — opened between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, that already demonstrates excellence and long-term potential. Bar Colette, a European-inspired cocktail bar in Dallas’ West Village is just that. Led by Michelin-recognized bar director Ruben Rolon, it offers a carefully curated selection of drinks and food. With a seasonal menu that highlights Rolon’s mixology expertise, Bar Colette invites guests to experience innovative creations before they become part of the archives.
Regino Rojas of Purépecha: Best Chef Texas
The Best Chef: Texas award is one of the most prestigious honors in the culinary world, recognizing a chef whose skill, creativity and leadership have made a significant impact on the region’s dining scene. This year, one Dallas chef may have what it takes to bring home the title. Regino Rojas, a multi-time James Beard Award nominee has crafted a dining experience that elevates traditional Mexican cuisine to fine-dining heights. Through his visionary approach, he seamlessly blends authenticity with innovation, offering a menu that honors Mexico’s rich culinary heritage while pushing the boundaries of technique and presentation.
Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
