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The James Beard Foundation just announced its 2025 restaurant and chef award semifinalists—and Raleigh, Wake County and North Carolina showed up and showed out with several nods, proving our thriving local hospitality scene is worth taking note of.
New faces Bhavin Chhatwani (Emerging Chef, Tamasha) and Chris Prieto (Best Chef: Southeast, Prime Barbecue) debuted alongside returning stars Scott Crawford (Outstanding Restaurateur) and Saltbox Seafood Joint’s Ricky Moore (Outstanding Chef).
“I’m humbled and overjoyed to be recognized,” emphasizes Prieto. … “I’ve dedicated my life to the craft of barbecue, and through it, have found so many meaningful ways to serve my Knightdale community and tell my story. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work here at Prime Barbecue—and the craft of barbecue—appreciated by our peers.”
After less than a year on the scene, DTR’s Figulina also earned the honor of Best New Restaurant semifinalist at the hands of former Poole’s chef de cuisine David Ellis and wife/co-owner Sam.
“We never imagined receiving this kind of recognition in our first year,” says Ellis, who learned about the nod in a barrage of texts and calls. “I’m incredibly proud of our amazing team whose passion and dedication make Figulina what it is. This honor truly means the world to us, and we’re so grateful to see our work resonate with others—not to mention the inspiring company we’re listed among.”
While Crawford has been named a JBFA semifinalist five times, the significance of the honor hasn’t waned. “When I was a young cook struggling with addiction, I never imagined in my wildest dreams this could be possible,” he says. “Today’s recognition as Outstanding Restaurateur speaks to the power of sobriety and perseverance.” Congrats to all the winners! See below for all the NC nods, and find the full 2025 list here.
“What an incredible feeling! To have brought the cuisine of our homeland to a place I’ve never been and been so quickly embraced and celebrated—it is beyond words. I’m deeply grateful for the love and support from Raleigh and the James Beard Foundation!”
—Bhavin Chhatwani, Tamasha
North Carolina JBFA Semifinalists 2025
Best Chef Southeast: Ashleigh Shanti, Good Hot Fish, Asheville
Best Chef Southeast: Chayil Johnson, Community Matters Cafe, Charlotte
Best Chef Southeast: Christopher Prieto, Prime Barbecue, Knightsdale
Best Chef Southeast: Sam Diminich, Restaurant Constance, Charlotte
Best Chef Southeast: Silver Iocovozzi, Neng Jr.’s, Asheville
Best Chef Southeast: Sunny Gerhart and Lauren Krall Ivey, Olivero, Wilmington
Best New Restaurant: Figulina, Raleigh
Emerging Chef: Bhavin Chhatwani, Tamasha Modern Indian, Raleigh
New Category Best New Bar: The Bar Beej at Cheeni, Durham
New Category Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Colleen Hughes, Supperland, Charlotte
Outstanding Chef: Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham
Outstanding Chef: William Dissen, The Market Place Restaurant, Asheville
Outstanding Pastry Chef: April Franqueza, The Dining Room at High Hampton, Cashiers
Outstanding Restaurateur: Scott Crawford, Crawford Hospitality, Raleigh
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Leo’s House of Thirst, Asheville
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