Kansas City's James Beard Semifinalists: 5 Restaurants & Bars Shine

This is a developing story and will be updated. An outstanding cocktail service, an informal Japanese-inspired pub, and a Shawnee speakeasy are among the Kansas City area restaurants and bars nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award this year. Also among the honorees was Helen Jo Leach, executive pastry chef at The Town Company in downtown Kansas City, and her husband, Executive Chef Johnny Leach. The restaurant specializes in locally-sourced food centered around a white oak burning hearth. This is the second year Town Company has been recognized in two categories. This year’s nominees were announced on Instagram on Wednesday morning. The James Beard Foundation will announce finalists for each category in early April, and the winners will be announced in Chicago in June. Winning a James Beard Foundation Award can propel a restaurant and its chef into the national spotlight. They’re often called the “Oscars of the food world,” and the honor carries immense influence. The awards were established in 1986, to honor cookbook author James Beard, and the foundation promotes equitable and diverse food culture through education, advocacy, and its awards program. Kansas City had seven nominations in 2025, although no restaurants or bars ended up making the shortlist of finalists. Here are the local chefs and establishments that made the national and regional lists this year. Best New Restaurant Anjin, Kansas City, Missouri Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker Helen Jo Leach, The Town Company, Kansas City, Missouri Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service Diana Condori, Fern Bar, Kansas City, Missouri Best Chef: Midwest Johnny Leach, The Town Company, Kansas City, Missouri Swetha Newcomb, Of Course, Overland Park, Kansas Outstanding Bar Drastic Measures, Shawnee, Kansas Other Missouri and Kansas restaurants Best Chef: Midwest Jason Rickard and Jordan Rickard, FioRito in Wichita, Kansas Outstanding Restaurant