ASHEVILLE – Chefs and restaurants across the nation are celebrating their advancement to the final round of the James Beard Awards, including an Asheville chef and a Cashiers pastry chef.
The James Beard Foundation’s prestigious program, known as the Oscars of the food world, honors excellence in the food and beverage industry.
Five Western North Carolina candidates were announced as Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists in January.
On April 2, two moved forward in the competition.
Silver Iocovozzi, chef and co-owner of Neng Jr.’s, is a nominee for the Best Chef: Southeast category.
Silver Iocovozzi, chef and co-owner of Neng Jr.’s, is a nominee for the Best Chef: Southeast category. The West Asheville eatery, which opened in 2022 and is popular for its Filipinx cuisine, was a Best New Restaurant finalist in 2023.
April Franqueza, of The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers, is an Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker finalist. Franqueza, a Sapphire native, is a first-time nominee.
“I’m so excited. I can’t believe it,” Franqueza said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, and hoping that this brings more people to the Western North Carolina area ― that we can share our good food and the love of good food with the people who want to visit.”
April Franqueza, of The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers, was named a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
The WNC semifinalists not advancing are William Dissen, chef and owner of The Market Place, for Outstanding Chef; Ashleigh Shanti, chef and owner of Good Hot Fish, for Best Chef: Southeast; and Leo’s House of Thirst for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
What’s next for the James Beard Awards?
The James Beard Awards, established by the nonprofit in 1990 with the first awards presented in 1991, recognize “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”
The 2025 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be hosted live on June 16 in Chicago.
Tickets for the awards ceremony will go on sale at 3 p.m. Visit jamesbeard.org/awards to purchase tickets and for more information.
View the complete list of Restaurant and Chef finalists and Media and Achievement Awards honorees at jamesbeard.org and follow @beardfoundation on Instagram.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 2025 James Beard Awards finalists include Asheville, Cashiers chefs
