OKC chefs and restaurants named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation, known for its prestigious awards that celebrate culinary excellence and innovation, has announced its 2025 semifinalists. The Foundation recognizes the individuals and establishments shaping America’s food culture, and this year, six chefs and restaurant groups from Oklahoma City have earned spots on the list, showcasing the city’s growing food scene. 

Oklahoma City’s 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists 

Outstanding Restaurateur 
• Elliot Nelson, McNellie’s Group (McNellie’s and others), Tulsa and Oklahoma City 

Outstanding Restaurant (Presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water) 
• Nonesuch, Oklahoma City 

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service 
• Ian Bennett, The Study, Oklahoma City 

Best Chef: Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma) 
• Tahnee Francis, Naija Wife Kitchen, Oklahoma City 
• Eric Smith, The Crown, Oklahoma City 
• Zack Walters, Sedalia’s, Oklahoma City 

These chefs and restaurateurs are being recognized for their creativity, skill and commitment to advancing Oklahoma City’s food culture. Their work spans a range of culinary styles and influences, from Nigerian home cooking to innovative tasting menus, reflecting the depth of flavors and experiences found across the city. 

Zac Craig, president of Visit Oklahoma City, said the recognition reinforces the city’s emergence as a contender on a national level. 

“Oklahoma City’s thriving and diverse culinary scene continues to capture national attention, and we’re thrilled to see six of our local chefs and restaurant groups recognized as semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards this year. This honor builds on a strong tradition of excellence in OKC’s dining scene, with past accolades including Chef Andrew Black’s Best Chef Southwest win, Florence Jones’s America’s Classics award and Chef Jeff Chanchaleune’s Best Chef nominations. These achievements showcase the incredible talent and innovation that define Oklahoma City as a true culinary destination.” 

This year’s nominations add to Oklahoma City’s growing recognition by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Andrew Black won Best Chef: Southwest in 2023, Florence Jones received an America’s Classics award for Florence’s Restaurant, and Chef Jeff Chanchaleune has been a Best Chef semifinalist twice. Their contributions have helped shape the city’s food scene and continue to inspire the next generation of chefs and restaurant owners. 

Chanchaleune, known for his acclaimed restaurant Ma Der Lao, recently introduced a new concept: Bar Sen, a noodle bar located in the Plaza District, right next to Ma Der Lao. While he is not among this year’s semifinalists, his influence continues to grow as he expands his vision for Lao cuisine and personal roots in Oklahoma City. 

When VeloCityOKC last spoke with Chanchaleune, he shared the story behind Ma Der Lao’s bold, authentic flavors that earned national recognition. Now, with sister restaurant Bar Sen, he and his team are bringing another exciting concept to life.  

Photo Credit: Joseph McClure 

As Oklahoma City’s culinary scene continues to thrive, these chefs and restaurateurs are setting a high standard for creativity, quality and hospitality. Congratulations to this year’s semifinalists and to all who put Oklahoma City on the national culinary map.