Minneapolis Restaurant & St. Paul Chef Win James Beard Awards 2025

(This story was updated to add new facts.)

MINNEAPOLIS, June 17, 2025 – Bûcheron, a French-American restaurant in Minneapolis, has been awarded the 2025 James Beard Award for best new restaurant.

A Culinary Triumph

Lumberjack, the award-winning establishment, offers a menu of French-american cuisine.

• Bûcheron in Minneapolis won the award for Best New Restaurant.
• Karyn Tomlinson of Myriel in St. Paul was named Best Chef in the Midwest.
• The James Beard Foundation recognizes excellence in the culinary arts.

The James Beard Awards celebrate excellence in the culinary arts and hospitality industries, and this year’s recipients showcase the talent and vision shaping today’s dining scene.Bûcheron’s recognition highlights the restaurant’s impact on cuisine, atmosphere, and operations.

The prestigious award acknowledges restaurants that opened between october 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, and demonstrates consistent excellence. The June 16th news release from the James Beard Foundation detailed the winners.

In addition to Bûcheron, karyn Tomlinson of Myriel in St.Paul was awarded Best Chef in the Midwest region, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, south Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Clare Reichenbach,CEO of the James Beard Foundation,said,”It’s with deep celebration that we congratulate the 2025 restaurant and chef award winners – distinguished culinary,beverage,and hospitality leaders whose talent and vision are shaping our dining landscape.”

More: Krewe restaurant in St. Joseph nominated for best Midwest chef by James Beard Awards

Which Restaurants Received Awards?

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, Frenchette, Le Veau d’ Or and Le Rock, New York, New York
• Outstanding Chef: Jungsik Yim, Jungsik, New York, New York
• outstanding Restaurant: Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, Colorado
• Emerging Chef: Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Best New Restaurant: Bûcheron, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Outstanding Bakery: JinJu Patisserie, Portland, Oregon
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: cat Cox, Country Bird Bakery, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Outstanding Hospitality: Atomix, New York, New York
• Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Charleston, Baltimore, maryland
• Outstanding Bar: Kumiko, Chicago, Illinois
• Best new Bar:
• Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav ezekiel, birdie’s, Austin, Texas
• Outstanding Professional in Cocktail service: Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez, Superbueno, New York, New York

Which Chefs Received awards?

• Best Chef, California: Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles, California
• Best Chef, Great Lakes: Noah Sandoval, Oriole, Chicago, Illinois
• Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic: Carlos Delgado, Cause and Amazonia, Washington, DC
• Best Chef, Midwest: Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Best Chef, Mountain: Salvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, Idaho
• Best Chef, New York State: Vijay Kumar, Semma, New York, New York
• Best Chef, Northeast: Sky Haneul Kim, Gift Horse, Providence, Rhode Island
• Best Chef, Northwest and Pacific: Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra, Amity, Oregon
• Best Chef, South: Nando Chang, Itamae à, Miami, Florida
• best Chef, Southeast: Jake Howell, Peninsula, Nashville, Tennessee
• Best Chief, Southwest: Lost Martin, LO WONG, PHENIX, ARIZONA
• Best Chef, Texas: Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring, Texas

St. Joseph’s Semi-Finalist

Earlier this year, Krewe’s co-founder and chef Mateo Mackbee was listed as a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Midwest category by the James Beard Foundation. Krewe is located in St. Joseph.

Founded in 2020, Krewe offers upscale New Orleans-style cuisine. The food is inspired by Mackbee’s family recipes, featuring dishes like shrimp jambalaya, Louisiana crab cakes, and gumbo.

Mackbee expressed his honor at being recognized, even though he didn’t become a finalist.

Beyond teh Awards: Impact and Influence

The accolades bestowed by the James Beard Foundation extend beyond mere recognition. they significantly impact the winning establishments and chefs, influencing the broader culinary landscape. Winning a James Beard Award can significantly boost a restaurant’s profile. Increased visibility frequently enough translates into higher customer traffic and media attention.

These awards act as a catalyst for emerging culinary trends and styles. The prestigious James Beard Awards celebrate culinary excellence, shaping the dining scene and influencing restaurant success. The recognition also fosters community by celebrating the talent and dedication within the food industry. Ultimately, the awards inspire and challenge culinary professionals to innovate and push the boundaries of their craft.

The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit organization that plays multiple roles within the food industry. It honors chefs, restaurants, and other culinary professionals, but they also host educational programs, and advocate for policies that promote a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Chefs and Restaurateurs

for those aiming to make their mark in the culinary world, here are some actionable tips gleaned from the success of the award winners:

• Focus on quality: Prioritize high-quality ingredients and refined techniques.
• Develop a Unique Concept: Create a distinct dining experience with a clear vision.
• Build a Strong Team: Foster collaboration and dedication within your staff.
• Embrace Innovation: Stay current with culinary trends and experiment creatively.
• Network Vigorously: Connect with peers, mentors, and industry influencers.
• Prioritize Sustainability: Commit to eco-conscious practices, minimizing waste and supporting ethical sourcing.
• Cultivate community: Actively engage with your patrons and contribute to your local food community.

Case Studies: The Winners’ Journey

Examining the paths of the award recipients offers valuable insights into their success.Bûcheron’s win for Best New Restaurant exemplifies the importance of a well-defined concept and exceptional execution. They have a clear focus on their French-American cuisine, and they provide a unique dining environment. .

Karyn Tomlinson’s victory as Best Chef in the midwest illustrates the power of dedication, skill, and regional focus. The awards are not just about recognition, but they’re a validation of long-term effort for the culinary arts and hospitality professionals. her success highlights the importance of chefs who champion local ingredients and create distinctive menus that reflect their regions.

Myths vs. Facts: Award recognition

Here’s a breakdown of common misperceptions regarding the James Beard Awards:

Myth	Fact
Winning guarantees instant success.	While it increases visibility, success still requires operational excellence.
Awards are solely based on a restaurant’s cuisine.	Nominations and awards consider several factors, including hospitality, management, and community impact.
Politics play a significant role in the judging.	The selection process is based on a rigorous process of evaluation by a diverse panel of judges.
Only established restaurants can win.	The awards include categories for emerging chefs and new restaurants, providing opportunities for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Addressing common questions about the James Beard Awards:

1. How are the winners selected?

   Winners are selected by a committee of judges representing a spectrum of food writers, critics, chefs, industry representatives, and previous winners following nominations and review processes.

2. What criteria do the judges use?

   Judges assess several aspects, including food quality, customer service, leadership, sustainability, and community involvement, to evaluate nominees.

3. what is the impact of winning an award on a restaurant?

   Winning can boost business through increased customer traffic, enhanced media attention, and increased staff morale, but ongoing, high-quality performance is still essential.

4. How can I become a nominee?

   Anyone can submit an request online; however, it is essential to create a well-known brand that is recognized by professional individuals within the industry.

5. What does the James Beard Foundation do beyond the awards?

   They provide educational programs, advocate for food policy reform, support sustainable practices, and offer resources to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable food system.