The Banchet Award Winners 2026

A guide to staying balanced with life and work in the hospitality industry

Culinary Agents

Jan 26, 2026

The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, Chicago's premier awards ceremony celebrating originality and talent, announced their winners on Sunday, January 25th. Congratulations to all the honorees!

Culinary Excellence: Grant Achatz – The Alinea Group

Icon Award: Gene & Georgetti

Bar of the Year: Gus’ Sip & Dip – Kevin Beary and Scott Kitsmiller

Best Counter Service: Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

Best Design: The Alston

Best Heritage Restaurant: Nine Garden

Best Hospitality: Feld

Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Mahari

Best New Restaurant: Feld

Chef of the Year: John Manion – El Che, Brasero

Pastry Chef of the Year: Justin Lerias – Del Sur Bakery

Restaurant of the Year: Indienne

Rising Chef: Javauneeka Jacobs – Frontera Grill

Sommelier of the Year: Alex Cuper – El Che, Brasero

Continue Reading About Awards

Culinary Agents

Feb 20, 2018

Talent Best Practices

Beyond Awards: 5 Other Things To Know About the James Beard Foundation

If you’re employed by the hospitality industry, hoping to enter, or even mildly interested in food, chances are you’ve heard of the James Beard...

Culinary Agents

Apr 24, 2017

Talent Best Practices

Career Advice from James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Chefs

James Beard Award Winning Chefs know a thing or two about succeeding in the industry. With the 2017 Awards just around the corner, these...

Culinary Agents

Oct 8, 2018

Skills Development

Mentoring with Industry Great: Restaurateur Danny Meyer

Via a winning combination of experience, passion, hard work and many other contributing factors, Danny Meyer has paved an impactful path in hospitality. Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO...

Culinary Agents

May 8, 2018

Career Advice

ICYMI: James Beard Foundation Award Winners 2018

On May 7th, 2018, the James Beard Foundation held its gala and announced the recipients of this year's awards. Below you'll find the full list...

Culinary Agents

Mar 13, 2018

James Beard Foundation Awards

ICYMI: James Beard Foundation Award Finalists 2018

On March 14th, 2018, the James Beard Foundation unveiled its list of nominees who have made it to the final round! Below you'll find...

Culinary Agents

May 9, 2017

James Beard Foundation Awards

Apply Now: The James Beard Foundation 2017 Scholarships [Sponsored]

This year the James Beard Foundation is offering more than $680,000 towards the invaluable gift of a culinary education! Apply Now Who should apply?Students and...