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3 Local Chefs Named Semifinalists in Coveted James Beard Awards

Rafael Rios | Matthew Cooper | Jordan Wright

Three Northwest Arkansas chefs have been named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards—all vying for the “Best Chef: South” title.

  • The Farm-to-Taco Maestro: A three-time semifinalist, Chef Rafael Rios brings farm-to-table Mexican cuisine to life with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all sourced from his family’s Northwest Arkansas farm.

  • The Gluten-Free Guru: A two-time semifinalist, Chef Matthew Cooper is known for his elevated, gluten-free menu and shareable plate options at Conifer in Bentonville.

  • The Pitmaster Extraordinaire: Known for its around-the-clock pit operation, Jordan Wright earned a nomination this year for the legendary smoked meats of Wright’s BBQ, which has four locations across Arkansas.

Learn more about the nominees and the James Beard Awards timeline HERE.