Six KC culinary creators named 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists
Photo by Eliesa Johnson for James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Awards have been around since 1991, recognizing culinary excellence in cuisine with a focus on commitments that foster community, sustainability, and equity.
This year, the KC area has an outstanding round-up of six James Beard Award Semifinalists. Finalists for each category will be announced on March 31, and winners will be revealed at a ceremony in June, but we’re already proud of them and the quality they bring to our culinary culture.
Tonkatsu sakura pork collar sandwich at Anjin // Photo by Alexander Omorodion
Best New Restaurant — Anjin, KCMO
Located on Oak Street in the Crossroads, you might have seen the delicate square-lit sign subtly stating Anjin in English and Japanese, a firefly adorned atop like a homing beacon. This restaurant boasts itself as “small but mighty,” pairing an intentional curation of drinks with their offerings of small plates and shareable dishes. The concept is pulled from Japanese izakaya, translated to “stay-drink-place” that offers communal space over dishes. Anjin was voted Runner-Up for 2025 Best New Restaurant by Pitch readers.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker — Helen Jo Leach of The Town Company, Kansas City, MO
The Leach duo is back at it with their charming work for Hotel Kansas City’s restaurant, The Town Company. It’s the second year of semifinalist nominations for the two. Helen Jo Leach curates the desert menu, with seasonal surprises and comforting favorites like a buttermilk cheesecake to round out The Town Co. experience.
Beet Salad at The Town Company // Photo by Sarah Sipple
Best Chef: Midwest – Johnny Leach of The Town Company
Appetizers and mains from Johnny Leach at The Town Company feature seasonal and local fare in an upscale and hearth-centered atmosphere. Curious Kansas City diners can keep an eye on Dear Donna, the next restaurant concept from Johnny Leach and Helen Jo Leach, opening this year in Columbus Park.
Diana Condori (2021) // Photo by Bek Shackelford
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service — Diana Condori, Fern Bar, Kansas City, MO
Fern Bar owner Bryan Arri credits Diana Condori with the idea behind cocktails paired with television and film from last summer’s creative menu. Art and company collide over cocktails, and the James Beard organization has taken notice of the professional behind the bar providing good cocktails, good service, and good ideas to boot. Condori can also be found at pop-up events with her company Condor’s Cove.
Swetha Newcomb of Of Course // Courtesy of Of Course
Best Chef: Midwest — Swetha Newcomb, Of Course, Overland Park, KS
Two years after opening, Of Course gets a nod via chef and co-owner Swetha Newcomb’s taste for fusing American cuisine with South Asian influence. Chef Newcomb is a graduate of Johnson County Community College’s Chef Apprenticeship Program, and spent years in KC-area restaurants and as a private chef before opening Of Course.
“I am a true believer that each bite of food should have texture, acidity, sweetness, saltiness, and umami all in one. I always try to cook with heavy spices and flavors, just like my momma taught me,” Newcomb said in a 2022 Pitch story.
Outstanding Bar — Drastic Measures, Shawnee, KS
Located in downtown Shawnee, Jay Sander’s Drastic Measures is part of the punch infusing life into the old town. Drastic Measures has a small footprint but a mighty impact, where craft cocktails transcend mere ingredients and become thoughtful art in a glass. Drastic Measures exemplifies the James Beard Foundation principles of “vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent businesses by boldly proclaiming that “philanthropy is an ingredient.” The bar demonstrates this through a variety of community-supporting and social justice initiatives throughout the year.
